3 Questions to Consider in Your Work

In his book, Wishful Thinking, theologian Frederick Buechner says, 

“There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work, 

and the problem is to find out which is the voice of God 

rather than of Society, say, or the Superego, or Self-Interest” (118). 

Buechner understood that cultural trends, the voices of the well-intended, and our need to feel important can ring louder than the divine whisper inviting us to meaningful work that is specific to our skill set, gifts, opportunities, joys, and passions. 

As humans stumbling along with Jesus, we would do well to focus on the specific work God has given us to do without getting sidetracked by our egos or overwhelmed by the expectations of others. I have wondered at times whether my inability to clarify my message/vision has splintered my writing and advocacy work, making it more scattered and haphazard, less direct and effective. 

Choosing the word ‘focus’ for 2021 was one tangible way to help me grow in this. These past 12 months have been marked by prayers for clarity around writing and next steps, intentional times of quiet, conversations with my spouse and close friends, multiple sessions with a life coach, and an intense life coach training course, all tools I’ve needed to narrow down the specific work that the Lord has been nudging me toward these past two years. 

What I continue to learn is this: 

Narrowing our scope does not mean other work is less important or less urgent. That work is also important (and often overlaps) but it may not be ours to focus on right now. 

Narrowing our scope allows us to use our time, skills, and resources more effectively, without feeling overwhelmed to the point of inertia. 

Let’s remember the Divine didn’t meet every need of everyone everywhere all the time. (I get tired just reading that sentence.) As we explore the Gospels, we realize that the work of Jesus centered on those who needed liberation and healing. We read the stories of the carpenter who identified with the poor, healed the lepers, touched the untouchables, showed compassion to the misfits, challenged the religious elite, and subverted the corrupt empire. 

While Jesus’s audiences and methods varied, his work was rooted in carpentry and connection with those who had ‘eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to receive’ his message of an upside down kingdom, where all are welcome to join his mission. And whenever his message or method was challenged, he simply pointed to the Source, “I came to do the will of the One who sent me.” He was certain of his divine calling, focused on a specific message, and undeterred by the pressure from others, even when they demanded more of him. As the TikTok adage goes, “He understood the assignment.”

In reference to our calling, I return to Buechner’s wisdom thoughtfully penned in the pages of Wishful Thinking, 

“The place God calls you to is the place 

where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” 

While Buechner’s words are not meant to be prescriptive, they do offer guidance as we address the needs of our world and understand our role in helping to meet those needs using our skills, passions, and resources.

What I’ve learned this year is that I find great joy in determining what belongs and in helping others (specifically overwhelmed women) discover what to hold and what to release as they seek to simplify their schedules, their stuff, and their souls. What a gift to walk with others as they learn to let go of what doesn’t belong, so they can better discern what does, and move forward in freedom from excess and overwhelm in their daily lives.

Great need. 

Deep joy. 

Two arrows pointing to my specific work as a certified coach and writer in this new year–and beyond, I hope.

In light of Buechner’s words and your own calling, here are 3 questions to consider:

• Where do you experience the ‘world’s deep hunger’? 
• What brings you ‘deep gladness’? 
• How could you bring those two things together in 2022? 

As we step into this new year, may we continue to discern what belongs in our lives so that we may more readily engage the needs around us, and may we find deep joy in the specific work that is ours to do. 

Featured Image: Lucas Santos at unsplash