All images copyright and courtesy of Joy Jensen, www.joyjensen.com.

Last Friday I had a conversation with a coworker that I’ve continued to ponder. It was around lunchtime when I headed down the hall from the administration suite to another part of the building. On my way I ran into one of the nurses, smiled, and said in an offhanded way, “only four and half hours till the weekend.” She said, “Oh, you do that too?!? _____ and I were just commenting on how we spend the whole week waiting for the weekend!” I laughed and went on my way. Yes, I was definitely looking forward to the weekend (in spite of having to begin rough drafts for two papers!), but as I had been walking down the hall before this conversation, my thoughts had been on how much I like my job, how non-stressful it is (as long as I don’t make a mistake and pay an employee too much or too little!!!), what great people I work with and for, and what a perfect fit it is for this stage in my life. It is an incredible blessing to enjoy your work!

Modern Christian and secular culture has placed an enormous emphasis on finding purpose and a lifework that is immensely fulfilling. There is definitely value in having a sense of purpose, knowing your own skills and talents, and finding something that is the right fit. However, I think that putting that much emphasis on it leaves people with a wrong set of expectations. I know that it did for me. It causes a person to expect to find a place in life where they will be perfectly fulfilled and completely happy. It causes a person to seek satisfaction and fulfillment in circumstances, relationships, achievements, a job, and especially in ministry and Christian service. While all of these are wonderful things and do bring a measure of fulfillment and happiness, true and lasting fulfillment can only come from a relationship with Christ. Because of sin here on earth, it will only be possible to experience it completely when we reach heaven and live in unbroken fellowship with God. I used to think there was something wrong with me when I couldn’t find total satisfaction in life. Now I know that I can attempt to seek it from many sources, but the ache and yearning is put there by God to draw me into an ever-deepening relationship with Him. Because of this, I want to live life to the fullest, enjoy the moment, and have a grateful heart for my job, friends, family, and the goodness of God! I want to “bloom” wherever God plants me!

Well, now it's time to stop rambling and get some sleep so I can work on those papers before work tomorrow morning . . .