The will of God part II

So about two years ago I wrote a note about the will of God and today I'm going back and reiterating what I said because apparently I forgot what I wrote about. I have been stressed and semi-depressed about the state of my professional life lately and, frankly, with good reason.

I just took a job at a bank as a banker. Kind of like a teller but a bit more involved than that. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not in the area of my studies- Int'l Studies. The thing is I have been looking and applying for jobs since December and finding nothing in the area of my major. I've looked at such programs as the Peace Corps but have not felt peace about doing something as crazy as that with no skills. After I get some experience- than definitely probably. So in my search for a job that would give me more skills I have come to the question- What DO I want to do with my life? And it's been rough facing that question. I'm 23, heck if I know. I love the world and culture and the Middle East and Justice but other than that I really don't know what I want to end up doing. Doesn't mean I shouldn't be doing anything and while I am working at the bank strengthening my savings, I'll keep applying for other jobs or programs and be proactive about seeking professional international experience. I'm waiting to hear back from a program now- if my references would be so kind as to send in the forms. :)

I am re-reminded of the first two commandments in the Bible- to love God and love others, and the fact that all the law, including the implied laws to be wise in our use of time and to use our gifts and to not be slackers, hangs on these two laws.
These two commands (which really, are one- if we love God we will, naturally, love others...) are not an excuse to slack off and not be proactive about being agents of change in the world through our careers and professions. But they are a call to remember what matters in the end of life, and that we are able to live fully and to our purpose regardless of where we are in our career trajectory.

God is never far from each of us, and we are always, whether we are 4 or 94, in kindergarten or the president of the United States, a banker or a Nobel Peace Prize winner, called to love Him wholly and fully. And people- we are always surrounded by people, and we are always faced with the chance to love them or ignore them.

I believe our earthly achievements don't matter to God. It is the heart in which we do them. If we are in love with God and others and from there display great works of leadership and accomplishment, we will have succeeded, the same as if we, in love with God and others, live with the poor in the slums or work as a banker for the rest of our lives, touching those with whom we come in contact. And honestly, loving people is sometimes harder than landing a great job. Even in this economy.

So. Definitely use your gifts to the fullest throughout your life and strive for successful degrees and positions, but remember that true success is measured in love relationships which are possible at any stage in life and career.