I grew up listening to stories about my dad’s Uncle Wendell. At first, I remember thinking that this was some magical character my dad invented to entertain and inspire us, just the way my father seemed to be entertained and inspired by this man he adored. We would hear how when dad was a kid, he would follow Uncle Wendell around, entranced by his mechanical abilities to fix anything and entertained at the same time with his warm personality.
I imagined scenes of breezy late summer days in northern Ohio, white clouds in blue skies, soft lake breezes and the sound of Cicadas humming in the trees. I could picture a young version of my dad, blue eyes, tight blond curls, trying to make a whistle sound from his blade of grass (he always taught us this important skill as kids.) Little Glenn might have his freckled nose too close to the engine as he positioned himself “overseeing” Uncle Wendell’s work. Maybe he tried to direct where he thought his uncle should connect a wire, and then I would recall some joke about how awesome “copper tubing” was, though I never quite understood what that meant.
Many of the things my dad proclaimed to love about his uncle were the very things I loved about my dad. He was a handy man, an inventor, a jokester, and a craftsman. As Dad would work in the garage, from a large project pile of scrap metal, wires, and other things that bewildered me, he whistled a tune that would float through the air, and his peaceful contentment was palpable. I would linger near him for hours at a time, just drawing or playing with dolls; whatever I could do to absorb any amount of his serenity.
College can be a wonderful thing – living in a broad community of people the same age as you experiencing the newfound freedoms that come with adulthood. There is no other time quite like it. It is a time of immense change, for better or for worse. For me, college proved extremely beneficial in nurturing the values my parents had instilled in me. I was blessed to attend Ave Maria University, a small Catholic school in about as far south Florida you can go before you hit the Everglades. Ave Maria roots itself in true devotion to Christ by holding fast to the teachings of the Church as well as building up a strong community of believers.
My four years spent there were saturated with joyful friendships that found common ground in our strive for sainthood. Surrounded by good examples who were all my age, in my state of life, and living out their faith in Christ tremendously aided my spiritual maturation through the ebbs of flows of emerging adulthood. I realize this is not the typical college experience, so I do not write this with the expectation to fully sympathize with my readers. However, I pray that my advice for living the faith out post-college may prove helpful and provide practical inspiration for those finding themselves in this exciting stage of life.
The Analogy of the Current
My campus chaplain used to share an analogy with us that likened the world to a flowing current. The current is very easy to enter and float along with. Yet, where the mainstream leads is destructive to both soul and body. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that “the god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Scripture makes it evident that the evil one has a certain dominion over matters of the flesh. We see this in the direction the world is going. The call of those who wish not to live for this world is to swim against the current.
For anyone who has experience swimming upstream, it is not an easy task. Rather, it requires previously built up strength and a devised game plan to prevent burnout. This is principally why Christians should take their spiritual lives seriously. Our time on this earth is a battle for our souls. Thankfully, we fight on the winning team. Our job is to stay on the victorious front. We do this by living out the faith day in and day out and in doing so, we remain close to Christ.
But what does this look like on the practical level? Especially for someone who is just learning how to live in the world as an adult? Facing reality with all of its responsibilities is intimidating. There is so much talk about what “the real world” is like when you are in college. Once you are in it, you are in it. How does one navigate a new life and remain on the vine? I would like to propose three vital means.
Prayer is Indispensable
Over the centuries, many saints have analogized prayer to the soul as breath is to the lungs. In other words, prayer is the lifeblood of the spirit. It is impossible to live the faith without a steady prayer life. St. Alphonsus Ligouri goes so far to say, “Without prayer we have neither light nor strength to advance in the way which leads to God. He who prays will be saved, but he who does not will be damned.” There is a weight to prayer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes St. Therese of Lisieux in its definition of prayer stating, “prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy” (CCC #2558). This meaning simplifies our understanding of prayer.
Prayer can be something intimidating for those seeking to incorporate it in their lives. It can seem complex and unreachable. However, in the same way that God desires all to be with Him, He gives ample grace for us to do so. In the realm of prayer, God is always the initiator. We are always the responders. In moments we feel drawn to commune with God, it is He who first called. This should serve as a great consolation for us and a reminder that He carries the bulk of the load.
As a young adult, there can be a lot of uncertainty- where you will settle down, what career you will have, who you will marry, and so on. Prayer enables us to be rooted in the one thing that is always certain – the love and security of God. Though life is ever-changing, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Praying gives us access to torrents of grace and keeps us grounded in peace.
In my personal experience, going from a college experience that was incredibly stable and exuberant to the unpredictability of life after graduation, I leaned heavily on prayer. I found it to be my steady rock amidst the uncertain. You go from walking along a set, marked trail to now having to trailblaze. Naturally, there is going to be a deeper need for strength and courage as you navigate your new life. Prayer is the perfect way to prepare and sustain oneself through it.
Habits are Powerful
Though prayer is indispensable, it is from here that we order our lives. We shape ourselves and our actions from the foundation of the love for God we have built through prayer. As St. Clare puts it, “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” If we are consumed by love for God, it changes who we are.
The second means to live the faith out after college is through our habits. When certain actions become second nature to us, we refer to them as habits. The majority of our earthly lives consists in the routine we have built for ourselves. It is our responsibility to constantly work to reform and perfect these routines. While we are in college, most of our time is mapped out for us. We are given a schedule for classes and various activities. Of course, we still have to choose how we spend the rest of our time, but it can be easier to do so when we have friendships and activities constantly within our scope.
Once you graduate, your time is now your own. The habits you built up remain, but how you live them out now depends on your willingness and your new schedule. For me, I found keeping good habits close very helpful in making a smooth transition.
Just because your life may look very different on the outside does not mean it needs to look different on the inside. In times of transition, I would argue it is more important than ever to hold fast to firm dispositions. Uprooting good habits is never a good idea. Anchor yourself in the routines that lead to your flourishing – daily exercise, prayer, reading, whatever it may be. You will find that consistency in the midst of change will prove very helpful. If you do not have good routines in place, transition is the perfect opportunity for implementing new habits as it poses as a sort of clean slate.
Community is Essential
Lastly, never lose sight of the importance of community. God did not make us to walk alone. A man does not become a saint by himself. I know for me, going from a full, flourishing community in college to ground zero was difficult. College taught me firsthand that who I surrounded myself with impacts me deeply. The saying, “you are your three closest friends” rings very true. Seek out friendships in your adult life with people you would be comfortable trading souls with. Find people that inspire you to become the best version of yourself. Ask God for the grace to find these people but play your part. For me, putting myself in places where the kind of person I wanted to be friends with was most helpful – church, wholesome events, etc.
Closing Thoughts
Trailblazing, though difficult, is the adventure God calls us to and equips us for. While life post-grad can be unpredictable, one thing is for certain, God gives each of us the necessary grace to be the saint He is calling us to be in the present moment. Lean into prayer, shape your habits, and do so with others and you will find that this time of life is full of growth and immense joy. Surrender to God this time and He will shower you with abundant blessings. Know of my prayers for you during this time.
Clare is wife to John Burke and a 2024 graduate of Ave Maria University with a B.A. in Theology. She has experience teaching K–5 Religion and now lives in Great Falls, Virginia.
