Expectations

Beware, this post is a rant about expectations society places on us and nothing more. 

I have recently been struggling with the various expectations of society. Constantly society places pressures of what “should” happen and what we “should” do. But who is society to tell us these things?

I recently had a classmate—a friend of mine—got engaged less than a week after their 18^th birthday. I was shocked and appalled at why they would want to “ruin” their life like that. But who am I to tell them that that is incorrect? Just because society believes that is incorrect? I know couples that have married right out of high school that have failed. But how do I know that won’t work for them? Just because it isn't what I want, doesn't mean it won’t be great and dandy for them!

Also, society expects some grandeur, expensive wedding. What’s wrong with eloping? Or a private wedding on the beach? What is the basis of marriage? It is the joining of a man and a woman to God, right? So why does getting married require some elaborate ceremony? Why does society push these unnecessary things?

College is another thing that society continues to push. I am a student that has continued to strive. I have three jobs and have maintained a 3.9 GPA. Because of that, society expects me to attend college. When I posted on Facebook about my new job as a children’s minister, someone commented on my status, “But you’re still going to college, right?” The very first thing on that person’s mind was if I was attending college or not. But why does society stress that everyone must attend college. If not, you are considered “dumb.” Truthfully, I don’t want to go to college. There, I said it…I DON’T WANT TO GET A COLLEGE DEGREE. Why? Because my dreams, goals, and ambitions do not require a college education. My dream in life is to become a missionary in Cuapa, Nicaragua and teach English. But, because society expects me to attend college, I will waste 4 years of my life, and thousands of dollars getting a college degree that I may never use.

Society is full of expectations. From marriage, to education, to having children, society sets various expectations for each of us to live up to. Who are we to judge those who don’t follow the societal expectations? I challenge you to break through these expectations. No, I’m not saying to elope the day out of high school and don’t attend college, but slowly begin to break free of the many expectations society places on each of us.

3rd Down

One thing we can't do is tell time to leave flying to the birds. The truth is, father time probably flies faster than any golden eagle in the sky. It's crazy for me to think that I have now completed 3 years of college. It's been a great ride so far, and I couldn't be more grateful for the relationships I've built, the knowledge I've gained, and the progress I've made these past three years. College always seems keeps me looking forward to the present and to the future. I don't spend enough time reflecting on what I have done, and before I know it, I'm here with only one year left. One goal I have for this summer is to spend time every day reflecting on the day I've had. By doing that, I think I can realize more how blessed I am, and I can appreciate the way God is present in the things I do, and the people I come across. Even though father time is moving at an all-time high of a speed, it is never too fast to take a step back and realize the way God is moving in our lives. In today's day and age, it's harder to step back sometimes than it is to keep up with the speed of life. I hope that this summer I can take some steps back and really reflect on everything that is going on my life, because before I know it, 3 more years will be passed. Just a little while I ago I was entering my dorm room as a freshman, unpacking my suitcase on a 90 degree day in August, with not a clue of what lied ahead of me. I can't believe how fast it's all been going.