Unstable | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Unstable

I begin to wonder if I'm capable, and I sink.

295
Unstable
Pixaby

Matthew 14: 28-31

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, "Why did you doubt?"


No less than ten seconds ago, I did something that I'd feared I would have to do since I arrived at Grand Valley. Though what I thought would be the scariest and most uneasy feeling task to do was actually the most comforting and liberating, like walking on water. I changed my major. Not only that, I changed it from a really good program to "Degree Seeking Undergraduate". Bluntly, I made it official that I don't know what I want.

It's daunting for students to consider changing their major for fear of making the wrong choice and for potential money wasted. That's why I'd been so afraid, but luckily for me, I had one of those feelings. The kind of feeling you get when you have no doubt in your mind something is or isn't meant for you.

For the past 2 years or so, the major that I would claim on that first orientation day was what I thought was meant for me. This belief took over back in junior year of high school because it was a career that generically appealed to me and because junior year is when everyone starts asking what you want to do. Senior year, in that sense, only gets worse. So when I had that one career in mind that seemed pretty good, it became my response the first time I got that question and every time after, and over time it only got easier, requiring less thought.

I continued to live like this for the majority of my first semester at Grand Valley, and it wasn't until I attended a club meeting for the program where it became staggeringly apparent this major is not for me. I had thought that maybe this program didn't suit me occasionally throughout the semester, but it was made concrete at that meeting. Within the week I had an advising appointment set to start the search for what ismeant for me. I couldn't be happier or any more excited to see where this takes me.

Like Peter, I have no doubt in my mind that Jesus can keep the water beneath my feet, but it's times when the wind and waves rise around me I begin to wonder if I'm capable and I sink. Peter didn't slip beneath the water because he thought Jesus wasn't able to hold him up. Instead, he saw Jesus on the surface and cried to Him when he needed help. Peter sank because he doubted himself. And that is what gives me comfort and affirmation when I do something that feels as unstable as stepping across the surface of the sea. I can put all my trust in my savior, knowing that if I step out in faith, He won't let me sink. However, I need to reserve some trust for myself too because I was created to be like Him. I was made with His own likeness in mind, and He does His work through me, I have no reason to believe there's anything I can't do.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1920
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16640
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3529
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments