The concluding session of the Men's Retreat this past weekend focused on work, feeling a call to a particular kind of work, and what is God's will regarding the work we choose. Doug Wysockey-Johnson, our leader, pointed out that most people do not see God in the work equation. God calls people to church vocations, ministry, etc., or human service vocations, medicine, nursing, teaching; but God is not involved in the vocational choose for most of us.
And yet maybe God is, or could be.
I believe that there is a family of vocations that tend to be "right" for a given person. Some people have excellent people skills, are visionaries, are great with detail and numbers, and so forth. Most of us bring a unique blend of these strengths. And to know them is very important. Books like "What Color is Your Parachute" help. Reflecting on what we feel passionate about helps. Discerning the activities that cause you to feel energy or to feel tired help. Quiet meditative time alone (with God) helps. All of this prompts the speaking of the soul and a sense of direction.
At the same time God is reflected in the attitude we "take to work." The job may not be a good fit and we are there for a while until we can create the good fit. Especially in these situations, attitude is everything. That first thing in the morning prayer, that gratitude for the little things, etc.
There is an old story. Three workers were working in a rock quarry. They each were asked what they were doing. The first responded, "I'm cutting rock." The second responded, "I'm earning a pay check to feed my family." The third reply was "I'm building a cathedral."
A friend who worked in a fast food restaurant shared with me that she noticed an older man who was a frequent customer in her store. Over time they chatted, got to know each other a bit. She realized that he had to pass a number of restaurants to get to hers. He said, "I come here because you smile. I feel a warmth and cared for while I have my cup of coffee."
Sometimes we don't even know when we are building a cathedral. |