Not too long ago, my husband and I were discussing our future and where we thought law school would take us. This conversation slowly turned into a little debate about the pros and cons of attending law school next year. How much money do we think we'll end up spending? What about time...will I have time to do anything else but study? When are we supposed to have babies? Everything was moving along fine, until Keith asked me this:
In order to do what you feel called to do, do you have to be a lawyer?
I sat in silence for a few moments and really thought about his question. My response?
Well, I don't know. I think I'd be happy in a courtroom fighting for injustice...but then again if I ended up running an orphanage somewhere or working directly with human trafficking victims...well I think I'd be okay, too.
So here we are, about a week after that little debate, and a decision has been made. I am not going directly to law school after undergrad. I still feel in my heart that this is what I'm supposed to do, but I also feel like if this was 100% right now, then there would be no confusion. As much as I'd like to take the LSAT this summer and apply to my top 10 law schools, I am just going to have to wait. I am going to have to trust God.
Please know that my husband fully supports my desire to become a lawyer, and that in no way was he trying to be discouraging. The truth of that matter is that law school is a HUGE investment with both time and money. (Lots and lots of money) Additionally, the job market for lawyers has significantly decreased, and yet more and more people are applying to law school. While these reasons are significant, they do not trump my main reason for waiting.
On the bright side, not going to law school doesn't mean sitting around and wasting time. It means that I can spend LSAT study time volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation again.
Volunteering as a Wish Granter in '08...what an amazing, rewarding experience. :)
It means that we will be able to travel way more over the next five years. (Post on this coming soon!) It also means that the road to parenthood may just come sooner than later. (I believe you can have a child AND go to law school/be a lawyer, I just don't know how I personally would handle giving 100% to both at this age.)
So while this decision is bittersweet, I am very hopeful. God has been challenging me lately with trusting Him, and I think that this is just one more thing I'm going to have to hand over. He is the one ultimately steering my car on the path of life, and if this is not the right time for law school, then so be it. :)
6 comments:
Good for you! It's scary to make a big decision, and then completely TRUST. God gives grace for anything he calls us to...that I know! - Your picture on yesterday's post made me want to tell you about a party I'm having over at Living Graciously (http://living-graciously.blogspot.com) where we share one photo with each other of something that brings us joy. The goal is to spread some positivity around blogland on Fridays! Hope you'll join us!
I am happy to hear you are listening to God's voice. I think, though, it could be possible for you to just take the LSAT now. The score is good for awhile. It's easier to take those kinds of tests when you're in an academic setting already.
However, God knows what he is doing. Law school is VERY expensive and jobs are scarce. It's very exhausting applying and interviewing for jobs along with who knows how many other people. Good luck and I will be praying for you guys. :)
You absolutely amaze me everyday, it seems. Your approach to life just touches my heart & I wish more people would be more like you. I love that your husband is so supportive & wants the best for you, even if it is scarficing some of his time (meaning you having to study, study, study). What ever makes is wife happy, makes him happy!
I am so excited for you.
I often struggle if my decision on my 2 majors is the right one.
Best of Luck!
~Jodie
PS.
I will keep you posted on Water for Elephants
Good for you, giving everythign to God. I just read something the other day about how we shouldn't live our lives as if they are blank pages, but instead look for God at every period and every comma because he's already written everything for our lives!
My brother waited 2 years and then decided to do the law school thing and I think it was great for he & his wife! Good luck girl, with direction from God he will definitely lead you in the right direction!
how do you get involved in make a wish, wednesday , prepare for you amazing faith driven brain to be picked!! i want to get involved. i want god to move me : ] im going to sign up for the susan g kohlman 5k in oct!! so exctied!!
I have been meaning to comment on this post for a few days, but only just not got to sit down and write to you.
I think this is a great idea. You have no idea how many days I wish that I had taken at least a year off. And, you'll find that, if you ever decide to go to law school, a lot of people really do take time off. It's really good to just clear your mind and work for a little bit. I commend you for making this decision and taking some time to yourself! I'm glad that you've prayed about it and talked it through with your hubby. Sounds like you've really thought it through and that it's a good decision for you. :)
Post a Comment