Here I am doing what most people would call grunt work (sweeping, moving boxes, opening cans, doing dishes, setting out the bread, making coffee, restocking the kitchen, etc.) and I'm l-o-v-i-n-g it. And I'm doing it for free and it doesn't even matter to me.
And I guess that's the part that really stood out to me- I'm doing all of this for free. On purpose. I asked for this. And I love it.
In all 7 years that I've been working I found myself saying the same thing: "I hate this job, but at least I'm making money." I'd find myself being able to get up and face another day if only because I knew I needed the money. I'd be miserable, dreading the thought of another day, another hour, another moment at a job that I hated. But I'd do it for the money and because I didn't have another choice. There are only so many jobs a full-time student with "no experience" can get, and most of those include food, cash registers, and general butt-kissing of customers and managers who all treat you like you're a first class idiot.
Now I find myself doing work that is probably harder on me than anything I've done in the past- especially my afternoon placement at the Cafe. I deal with a lot emotionally and physically almost every single day. But I live for it, I can't imagine doing anything else with myself this year.
That's how I want to be my whole life. Of course, I want to live comfortably. But more than that, I want to get up for work every day of my life without dreading it. I don't want the paycheck to be the only thing that manages to get me though another 8 hour day. I want to feel like the work I'm doing matters to someone, somewhere, because if I'm not doing what I love then what's the point?
So, my faithful readers, I ask- what gets you out of bed every morning?
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| Saw these little cuties on my walk to the Cafe yesterday. What a welcome sign of spring! :) |
I loved reading this blog!! Except for 3 months of my working years, I have always been financially suppported by congregations. For the last 17 years, I have worked as a church secretary and I love it!! I know exactly what you mean!! I don't take home big paychecks, but the money is not important. I love serving the church. I love being surrounded by a church building with crosses and religious artwork. I love having members come in to visit or talk about something that is troubling them. I never counsel, but I ALWAYS listen, which is what they mostly want anyhow when they stop by. I type church bulletins, write announcements, keep bulletin boards up to date. I plan worship schedules and worship services, sometimes select hymns, organize funeral services. I sometimes lead prayers. And this list is just a sampling of all that I have done over my years there. What a privilege it is to serve God and God's people. I can't imagine doing any secular job. It would be utterly foreign.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this year Carrie! Listen as God speaks to you through your experiences at the Mount and in downtown Erie. You are blessed to be in the care of such loving souls. I know this first-hand because I am an oblate with this community!