Journal of Sacred Work

4 responses to “Days 259-261 – Where Do We Belong?”

1. 

   ~liz Wessel

   September 18, 2009

   This is actually something I am struggling with at work as I question the value of what I contribute. I had a conversation with my boss the other day, which was helpful to me because she created a listening space. What I expressed to her surprised me. I revealed that I feel like a melted ice cube (as in the change theory) and I have not regained my solid shape. As our organization changes, as well as my evolving role I am feeling uncertain. Honestly, I know I am going through a time of dis-ease and talking about it enabled me to recognize and acknowledge what I am experiencing. Reflection, listening, and listening to Love’s inner voice, continued dialogue with others, perhaps, might help me work through this rather than isolate myself from others.
   Thanks for asking the question.

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2. 

   Karen York

   September 18, 2009

   People often stay in jobs where their hearts have been crushed because of responsibility. Many times following our truest calling requires great courage in that it may not “pay the bills” as we often say.Asking the question can bring on more pain by feeling like we are no longer of value. So, we follow orders, and do what we need to do to put bread on the table. While that isn’t ideal, many live in that reality. A helpful conversation for us is to reaquaint ourselves with what drew us to that place in the first place. What has changed – is there something within me that needs adjusting. Have I become too cynical, too egotistical, too unwilling to change… Perhaps the discomfort is a way to mold us in a new way to meet a new and greater calling in our future.

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3. 

   Victoria Facey

   September 18, 2009

   Even at my mature age, I still question if I am doing the work of my heart. I struggle with my calling because I sometimes feel a more creative career (in the Arts) is/was my true calling. I have learned in my current job however that being an accessible and willing co-worker does my heart good, especially when the project / task ends up successful. So, perhaps this is a shortcut, or a prelude to what I will do in the future…? I love volunteering and giving different types of support to children and seniors. Thank you Erie for putting the curiosity back in our minds on where our paths may belong.

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4. 

   ~liz Wessel

   September 19, 2009

   Yes, that was precious how dad hugged his little girl.
   This morning I came across a quote by John O’Donohue about work and I thought I would share it with readers. (Source: Speaking of Faith)
   “I mean, we spend over one-third of our lives actually in the workplace, and one of the loneliest things you can find is somebody who is in the wrong kind of work, who shouldn’t be doing what they are doing but should be doing something else and haven’t the courage to get up and leave it and make a new possibility for themselves. But it’s lovely when you find someone at work who’s doing exactly what they dreamed they should be doing and whose work is an expression of their inner gift. And in witnessing to that gift and in bringing it out they actually provide an
   incredible service to us all.”
   I think we can all think of someone like this. Today I am thinking of Karin Reiss RN who sees the inner beauty in others and encourages that beauty to shine forth, especially in people who are invisible to others. She told me of visiting a family friend in an in-patient hospice. In the bed next to him,was a non- English speaking man who was alone and without any family. He just laid there, his appearance unkempt, seemingly disinterested in all. Karin being fluent in Spanish and engaged him in conversation and learned of his love of soccer. The next day, when she arrived, he was up,showered and and dressed, in the TV room watching a soccer game. Just showing a little interest in this man made a huge difference to him. She is a Christ-like person who truly lives a mission of Love in every aspect of her work and life and does so in a very quiet and humble way.

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