I have been very fortunate to love my jobs. I started as Director of Children’s Ministries at Sunshine Community Church as my first job out of Calvin College. I can honestly say during those 8 years, I loved what I did.
Then I went onto grad school and worked as a medical social worker for Hospice and I can say, it was Holy Ground to be with families who were caring with compassion, saying good-bye and honoring a legacy of someone loved deeply. I loved what I did!
I also worked as an adoption Social Worker during these years. I met amazing families who were leaping in faith. Families who were willing to risk in order to love and in loving, I saw families, hearts and lives transformed. I love adoption and I loved what I did.
I was then invited to buy Visiting Angels of West Michigan. It seems like just yesterday sometimes. I feel fresh and eager for each day because every day is different when you work with people. I love what I do.
And yet, there was a brief time I was unemployed between my hospice and adoption work. I remember struggling with what my next steps would be. I wanted to work in the area of my passion. I wanted to love what I did, but I also needed to work. I remember clearly when I realized that to have a job one loves is something to be very thankful for. Many people wake up every day and go to a job that may be less than desirable. I grappled with what if I was led to a job I did not love. It was at that point in my life I learned about how my attitude of how I engage life can bring me joy and delight, as opposed to the circumstances I encounter every day.
God has been very gracious in providing for me employment that I can honestly say I love what I do. But it is often not the task that I marvel in, but the people who surround me in my day-to-day.
I am curious if you love what you do? Is there space in your day-to-day where you might love it more? I hope at the end of each day, you also might be able to say….today was a good day….I love what I do!
Thanks for your blog, I’m enjoying your insights. Today I turned down a job offer that felt like it was my dream job in warm North Carolina. It just wasn’t coming together and I drove home from work here in freezing Michigan feeling very down. Your post reminded me that I can love what I’m doing where I’m doing it and thank the Lord for his provisions in my life. Including the two you made happen!!!
Thanks Trish!