Joel's Place: Live and Unplugged: The Search

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Search

Tis the season for Fairs: Job Fairs, Careers Fairs, Mission Fairs, Summer Fairs. We get invited to them all. Currently I am sitting at the Fairbanks Job Fair at the Carlson Center, banner displayed, skate helmet filled with candy. That's right...a skate helmet filled with candy. I'm just that cool.

What am I supposed to be doing with my life? How do you know? How do you know if you are in the right job or doing the right thing? These are the questions that I see behind the eyes of everyone who stops by my table. We only have a finite amount of time and resources; we each carry a specific skill set. What do we do with these gifts that we have been entrusted with? Is there a right answer that guarantees happiness and fulfillment? Is there a wrong answer that means that we are wasting our lives?

As with most questions worth asking, this one does not have a simple answer. I believe that when you are working out of your strengths and passions, the work is more effective and fulfilling. It is extremely frustrating to try writing with your less-dominant hand. Put a champion weightlifter into a swimming pool and a world-class athlete can look foolish. Finding what we are passionate about and good at is a central piece of discovering how we can positively impact our world.

However, the right job, the right promotion, the right paycheck...none of these are requirements for a life full of joy and meaning. That is internal. That comes from a willingness to choose joy in the midst of circumstances and faith in the face of challenge. God does not waste lives or moments. Every circumstance that we find ourselves in is an opportunity to grow in love for our God and love for His children, whether that is taking care of one baby at home or hauling washers around a vacant warehouse or teaching a room full of annoying, prepubescent children. It is so easy to get absorbed in what comes next that we lose out on seeing what God is offering us in the present moment and situation.

So we strive to find the vocations, activities and pursuits that bring out the best from us while being aware and alert for the wonders that God has for us right here and right now. This is the Search we are all on.

Although I must say...a helmet full of candy helps.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Giving

If you would like to become a financial partner with us and support the work of Joel's Place, here's how:

1.) To make an online donation:

2.)Mail us a check at P.O. Box 83584, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Or

3.)Call our front desk at 452-2621 with your credit card information. Our official hours are Mon- Fri, 12pm-6pm , but there is usually someone by the phones from 8am on.

And

4.) You can link your Fred Meyer Rewards card to Joel's Place at this link. Every purchase on your card increases the Fred Meyer Foundation's annual donations to our organization.

Thank you for your encouragement and support.

From the Staff

Leah Byam, Program Assistant

On Sunday after Church a group of us went to Subway to eat lunch. When we get in line it's very busy, so we wait patiently in line. As I'm waiting in line I see CS, a young man who has been coming to Joel's Place for a very long time. He's working behind the counter. He's assertive, polite, taking peoples orders, and going on to the next costumer giving them kindness and the same professional service. As I watch him from afar my eye's tear up. I know his past. I've walked with him on so many journeys. I love this kid so much, I am so so so proud of him. As I get closer he see's me and his face lights up. We were able to talk. He tells me that he just graduated with his high school degree, that he's still saving up, he will be going to Hawaii as planned in September to work. I was able to tell him, How proud I am of Him, and I meant it in every sense of the word.