My daily Bible reading plan took me to Acts 4-5 today, where the early Church began to face opposition from the established keepers of Tradition. I resonated with these words from Gamaliel:

“If their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin. If it originates with God, you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting God!” (Acts 5:38-39 CEB)

 

I have felt a bit thwarted as I’ve papered the area with resumes and cover letters. This does not seem to be an ideal time to find a new Call. While I could have found a job, it would have required driving more than an hour each way (more on a bad traffic day), or would have been more of the life-bending overnight/weekend hours I have now. It’s been a bit discouraging. I know I’m Called to be a chaplain and pastor; I also know that I do not have to jump at the first offer, but am waiting and being thoughtful and discerning.

So for the time being, I’m putting an aggressive job search on hold. I am going to work more hours at my night/weekend job since the family needs are more flexible. And I’m also making various trips (with Bearded Brewer, with Reedy Girl on a college tour, to the beach) so it’s not all bad. It’s all about perspective.

I was reminded of this Wendell Berry quote by one of my sibs this morning. It surely fits in some of the career impediments I’ve had in the last few years. I have no doubts that I am working and doing what I’m Called to do, and the place and time for a full time assignment will come in God’s time.

The photography is from a trip we made as a family a few years ago.

The Real Work

It may be that when
we no longer know what to do
we have come to our real work,

and that when we no longer know
which way to go
we have come to our real journey.

The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.

— Wendell Berry

 

 

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
 rests in his beauty on the water,
and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought 
of grief.

I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars 
waiting with their light.

For a time 
I rest in the grace of the world,
and am free.

—   Wendell Berry