By Carter Smith
Reflecting on my time in the Capital Fellows program, I can draw a distinct difference between the fall and the spring. It was far easier to be fully present in the program in the fall because I wasn’t thinking about the future. Life after fellows felt distant. Well, now it feels way too close. Over the last couple months, many of us have been deep into a job search or considering offers we’ve received from graduate schools. We’re devoting a lot of time and brain energy into what’s coming next.
As we discern God’s calling for us after the program, there are endless things to think about: What job or grad school is right for me? Where will I live? Who will I live with? How much money will I have to live on? What will my community look like? Will I be okay? It is hard not to be anxious about the future, especially when nearly every decision we are making feels as though it is a “big” decision. And I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to be present when I’m anxious.
We’ve talked often about God’s providence in fellows. God has given us the freedom to make our own decisions, yet He has also already weaved every decision we make into His bigger, better story. As I’ve gotten anxious about my future post-fellows, I have tried to remind myself of this biblical truth:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV).
God has given us all the immense gift of knowing that our plans will ultimately work together for good. We have the freedom to make our own decisions with the knowledge that we cannot mess up God’s plan for our lives. As I think about all the decisions I have to make as I prepare for life after fellows, I find rest in knowing that the God of my salvation has already made a perfect plan for me, a plan that fits perfectly into His greater plan for the world. What a gift that is.
Carter Smith is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2023-24. He is from Norfolk, VA, and is a graduate of the University of Virginia. This year, he is working at the C.S. Lewis Institute in Alexandria, Virginia.
Pictures From The Week
Fellows and friends ran a half marathon!
Jacob and Spencer in their "normal, everyday" attire.
Catherine and Caroline serving in Children's Ministry.
A visit from Bo, Joe, and Mary at Commons!
Know a Potential Capital Fellow?
If you know a college senior or recent graduate who should consider joining the Capital Fellows program in 2024-25, please encourage them to get in touch with us. The easiest way to express interest in the program is through our Contact Us Form. You can learn more about the program, including application deadlines, by visiting the Capital Fellows website.
About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
In the weekly gathering of fellows called Capital Commons, we work through four themes: vocation, servanthood, community, and leadership. As we step into the final theme for the year, leadership, please pray that the fellows will receive the call to lead and respond with willing hearts and hands. Leadership that is selfless (Philippians 2:3) and sacrificial (Romans 12:1) can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. May He meet and encourage these fellows as they take their place as leaders at work, in the church, at home, and in society.
Want to pray for the current Capital Fellows in an ongoing way? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
About The Fellows Initiative
Capital Fellows is part of a network of similar programs across the country. This network is called The Fellows Initiative. There are 34 Fellows programs in TFI, roughly 3,000 alumni living around the world, and more Fellows programs on the way.
If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining TFI by launching a new Fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.
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