It’s January 29th, and the first month of 2017 is almost over. It seems as if so much has transpired in the past month. Anyone with ears to hear and eyes to see has to be aware of our country’s divided feelings, attitude, perspective towards the results of our recent presidential election. And, if President Trump’s first few weeks in office will be any indicator on how the next four years will be… well, let’s just say God help us as a nation. “In God We Trust” will need to be in the hearts of Americans, and not just on our cash.
I feel the tension in the air between Republicans & Democrats, racial tensions, religious tensions, and Trump-supporters & Trump-opposers. People are literally taking this election to heart, and they are angry. It’s honestly reminiscent of the 2008 presidential election. I’ll never forget when I was forced to end a few relationships with various friends because I supported President Obama. Anyway… I’m through talking about politics for now.
Ok.. let’s get back to my life. This year my life is so much different than last year or the year before. I’m in a new place mentally and financially. And, it is very clear that the decisions I make right now can and will have a great effect on the rest of my life. There are two major things which recently happened in my life, and it’s got me asking questions, rethinking certain decisions, and really being more serious about finding my purpose in life.
- I got a CAREER Job — Almost two months ago I started a new job. Now, I have worked a lot of jobs, but this is the first job that I know I could retire from. The thing is… I prayed for this. But the question is… do I really want it? … In time I will be able to answer that question. But, right now I’m content with it, and I know I’m blessed to be able to make and save money.
- I finished my MBA program — A few weeks ago I finished my last class of my MBA program at Argosy University. I graduated with a 3.7 gpa. Whoohoo! Though I’m ecstatic that I have my graduate degree, I honestly don’t know how it’s really going to benefit me, other than raise my confidence and maybe make me more qualified for higher paying jobs.
Growing up I read a lot of the Bible. My two favorite books of the Bible are: Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. I remember reading Ecclesiastes as a child and thinking to myself, “why does Solomon seem so depressed in the tone of his writing?” The 1st chapter starts off – Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 (NASB) 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” 3 What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?
I understand now… well, let’s just say I have a better understanding of how he was feeling when writing that. I feel life is filled with meaningless pursuits and aspirations when you have a heaven-perspective. Because one day we are all going to die. It’s our destiny… so, that’s why he wrote in Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NASB) – 15 So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.
So, what is my prayer for 2017? What am I hoping for? As always, I pray for love… and honestly I believe I may have found it. I am also praying that God fills my heart with a new passion for life, wisdom, wealth, and happiness.
Silksache't
January 30, 2017 at 3:39 pm
omg congrats on the new job and on your degree, thats amazing
jason
January 30, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Thanks!
Erica M. Smith
January 30, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Jason,
Awesome post as ALWAYS!
I take this forum to publicly congratulate you on your most recent achievements, in specific, that of obtaining your MBA!
It is evident throughout your writings the outstanding gentleman of honor, integrity and excellence that you are, and I am so happy for you!
Continue to walk with your head high Jason, and *smile!
For your tomorrows are destined for greatness and your future is brighter than the noon day sun!
You will be rewarded Jason, hang in there-the best is yet to come!
Sincerely,
Erica S.
jason
January 30, 2017 at 5:17 pm
☺
Ron
January 30, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Wow! Ditto to Erica’s comment. I ain’t got much else to say. She said it much better than I could have.
Congrats on the MBA. I did not know you have wrapped it up.
jason
January 30, 2017 at 9:31 pm
ThanKS! Yep, I wrapped it up earlier this month.
Ahensimmons
April 23, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Congrats! I’ll be graduating next year and I can’t wait! Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are my two favorite books in the Bible as well! I’m digging the new layout on your site too.
jason
April 23, 2017 at 6:10 pm
Thanks! Trying something different. I hope you have an easy transition into a career post graduation.
Ahensimmons
April 23, 2017 at 6:18 pm
Thanks! Me too! I’m already starting to pray and fast regarding where God wants me post graduation. I really want to move to a more diverse place but I’m refusing to leave until God gives me the green light, which is intensely testing my character! Lol