11.13.2006

divinely appointed: getting the job

This is just a fun story, so I'd like to share how the Lord directed me to my current occupation. No question I'm where I'm supposed to be. None...

I'd worked in some print shops and other jobs over the years, and in '02 was at a shop where I'd quickly grown uncomfortable. I was tired of working simply to make others rich. I wanted to work where I could feel I was making a difference and more effectively serve God. I was really praying as to whether I should look elsewhere, but wasn't sure where to go.

One Saturday while I was very busy attending an avian convention (that's a "birdy con" for those playing along at home), I was told to return a phone call from the pastor of the church we'd recently begun attending. I tried during a break but couldn't get in touch with him. So that night around 9:15, as I was thinking it was too late to call and wondering what I possibly could have done to get in trouble already (kidding), the phone rang again.

T'was indeed the pastor calling back. He said there was an immediate opening at the church for admin. Was I interested? I practically had to pick myself up off the floor before responding, "Well, actually, I've been praying about this a lot lately."

I learned that no one else on his list of suspects could take the position. Because we were so new to the congregation, I was the last person on that list based on a single conversation at a church picnic in which I must have mentioned, ever so briefly, what I was doing at the time.

I interviewed a few days later and basically had the job. I was even able to train with the person I was replacing during my two weeks notice before she took a job elsewhere.

But all that's not even the kicker. I soon found I'd basically been training my whole life for this gig. Almost every skill I ever learned I use here—phone and people skills, writing and editing, layout, organization, promotions... The job I'd only held for 6 months prior even trained me, an avid Mac fan, in daily use of a PC. Much of what I did on a volunteer basis at our last church I was now getting paid to do.

Even volunteer ministries hearken back to days past, such as when we do door-to-door invitations—my very first company job was door-to-door promo. I used to substitute teach, primarily in high school and junior high, and I now work with the youth group. Ever since I was young, I've had involvement with song and stage, and have been able to do both here. I could go on.

Other benefits? I have more friends than I've ever had in my life—some even my very best. I work with some really great guys on staff, not to mention the elders, deacons and everybody else who puts in time. Again, could go on. And on.

So, is it perfect? Of course not. Every job everywhere has it's ups and downs. We're still in a sinful world, and stuff still happens. But here I am, in this environment which I suppose I was designed for, and I get to serve my God in ways I never imagined.

I sometimes have to sit down and remind myself how I got here. And that's why I wrote this thing. After all, I started out in college studying to go into broadcasting and ended up a journalism major with an emphasis in advertising. But here I am, in an incredible position with access to countless ways to glorify my Lord.

Stuff like this doesn't just happen by accident. Praise the Lord for Divine appointments. :)

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." -Colossians 3:17

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