Reverend Jenny Adams: There is not one right path as we go on life’s journey
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WHO are you?
What in your life brings you fulfilment? Does that include paid work?
What about volunteering (formal or informal) or life’s many simple pleasures?
Are your answers to those questions things you’d have predicted when you were a teenager?
On Tuesday, SQA exam results come out. For some, those will confirm next steps through planned courses or further qualifications. For others, there may need to be adjustments when results are not as hoped.
For everyone I add my voice to others saying there is #NoWrongPath.
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) invite all of us to share stories challenging the idea that there is a single right path for anyone’s life. We are encouraged to recognise that every twist, detour and unexpected turn in our journey can lead to valuable experiences and personal growth.
We can discover passions and strengths, build relationships and connections, be stretched and transformed, in countless ways. At their best, education and employment bring valuable opportunities, but so can hobbies, interests and life experiences.
Roles and possibilities also keep changing and evolving, making it even harder to predict the future shape of lives. It’s vital we ensure transitions happen fairly, so that nobody is left behind by technology or circumstances.
When we’re influenced by so many factors, some barely imaginable, why add pressure by judging anyone’s prospects from exam results? There is no wrong path and there are plenty of possibilities, especially if we support each other.
For me, defining myself begins with trusting that I am loved by God, just as I am, irrespective of anything I have done or anything I believe (though I’ve not always been particularly good at living that out).
My story includes lots of study – I’m someone who fits the education system. Forres Academy science and maths led to electrical and electronic engineering.
I worked as a telecoms software engineer for ten years. That was satisfying at times, but I also learned a lot from difficult spells and from working alone from home when we moved to Elgin.
I was also finding fulfilment outside work – from church, Christian Aid, marriage and a young family.
Redundancy coincided with expecting our youngest child, and we were fortunate to manage me taking a break from paid work. Full-time parenting stretched me, with no hiding place from myself. Wider connection came in local Amnesty International, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Christian Aid groups, and singing with Culbin Singers.
My faith journey led to a call to ministry, not something the teenage me would have seen coming. This role also keeps evolving, pushing me beyond comfort zones and opening up different horizons and skills, including this column.
So, who knows what paths still lie ahead of me? Discerning future steps includes listening to God, who knows and loves me – and who will forgive the mistakes I make.
What paths have you followed? What helps you find meaning and hope on life’s journey?
Jenny Adams, Minister of Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman Church of Scotland.
