I was out for a long walk with the Jack Russell yesterday and caught myself captivated by one of the neighbourhood beautiful homes; ten acres surrounded by ornate cast iron fencing. I wondered about the occupations of the occupants as I looked on their large pond surrounded by the most beautifully manicured grounds. I wondered about how different their lives must be from my own. I pined for a career that could afford such a lifestyle. I don’t think I was feeling envy, jealousy, or covetousness, but I’m sure overtones of all three were floating around in my noodle.
Looking for work can be very discouraging. It is a never-ending cycle of seeking the right opportunity, preparing and submitting all your professional experience, crafting the perfect messaging, following-up, networking, interviewing, and waiting. For all the effort there is a disproportionate amount of rejection than acceptance available.
Fast forward just a few short hours I found myself at the church with our Friday Night Club (FNC), a ministry with and for young adults. The group consists of a core group of three young ladies, two with Spina bifida, one with Aspergers syndrome, and a young man with Downs Syndrome. We were the featured entertainment for the ladies gathering, and we were performing a play written by one of the ministry leaders. Each of the FNC girls prepared their own part of the play, which was a short testimony of their life in Christ. The play was closed with a prayer given by the young man of our little club.
I came away from the evening filled with many emotions; crazy-proud of the Friday Night Club, ashamed at my pitiful attitude earlier in the day, and encouraged that, in the ultimate sense of things, I’m gonna be just fine. Perspective is one of those funny things that you always need and rarely have.
oh so very true my dear…if we spent less time wishing things were different and appreciate what is, I believe we would be a healthier society! Where is that line betweeen achievement and greed. I know you will be fine.