Which way is forward?

 Many of us have dreams, aspirations and goals we want to achieve. We have endless thoughts and a dreamer mindset that overtakes our daily routines. Spontaneous adventures seem so distant but motivate our daily routines.

 How do we break the cycle of the mundane and move forward? How do we practically start moving closer to our goals and dreams, while not losing sight of what is practical and realistic?

 One year ago, I graduated with my undergrad degree and asked the question, “What’s next?” I’m grateful that this next season has involved a full-time job, but it has also brought a fair amount of wondering about the future, too.

 For many of us, all our lives, we’ve been taught where to go and what to do. We’ve followed the trajectory that society has set for us: attending elementary school, middle school, high school and then jumping into the workforce or post-secondary education. But after that, what’s next? Even when you feel like you’ve received an answer, with a job or relationship, it’s hard to resist feeling unsettled while dreams and aspirations still linger.

What do you do or think when you don’t quite know the way forward?

 Ecclesiastes 3 reads,

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV).

There is a season to settle and find contentment, and there are seasons to pursue big dreams and aspirations.

As I’ve toggled between both spectrums, the spectrum of contentment and embracing a new season and pursuing goals and dreams, I’ve found three intriguing questions to help me process:

1. Where are you drawing your applause from?

Separate your measure of success from the satisfaction of the crowd.

2. What are you doing to grow toward your goal? 

Ask questions. Why do you accept mediocrity when you could embrace the ultimate truth that you CAN do anything through Christ who strengthens you?

3. Where is your motivation coming from?

Loving God with your mind is an act of worship. Take time to reflect on your thoughts: Who or what are you thinking about that could be encouraging you to pursue something new? What is holding you back?

Take heart, for,

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

It’s so easy to look back and see what God has done after the season has closed and the next one has begun, but have you embraced where you are, right now, and trusted God with the lessons He is teaching you?

 As you dive deeper, you can…

•  Write about where you see yourself in 5, 10 or 15 years. Write a letter to yourself and tell them about where you hope to be.

• Reflect on the letter you write to your older self one week after you write it. Ask yourself what are two practical steps you can take today to move towards those dreams or goals?

•  Share your goals and dreams and current joys and frustrations with a trusted friend or mentor. Be honest about how you feel in this current season and where you are feeling called forward in the future.

 There is beauty in each and every season, whether that includes embracing this current season or pursuing a new big dream. And friend, you are right where you should be.

 “For I perceived that there is nothing better for [you] than to be joyful and do good as long as [you] live” (Ecclesiastes 3:12).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Lown is writer, content creator, and marketing coordinator. She enjoys traveling, running, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Often nicknamed “Smiley,” Emma radiates her faith, joy, and excitement about life. She loves new adventures, listening to others’ stories and learning. She has been published in Christianity Today, Conscious Magazine, The Focus, and Lancaster Bible College’s The Echo.