Article May 4, 2009 Issue

THE RIGHT JOB

BY JODIE SWALES

I LOVE THE IDEA that even when you don't know what you're supposed to be doing with your life, or where your next paycheck is coming from, God will guide you if you ask. God is Love and unlimited good, and God needs each one of us. Based on this, we can all make a meaningful contribution to society, no matter what employment statistics or the economy suggests.

A few years ago, I was speaking to a longtime Christian Scientist, who mentioned that we each have a purpose given to us from God and that it's natural for that purpose to be revealed. I felt inspired by what she shared. At the time, I was unemployed, and although I had a teaching degree and had taught in high schools, I felt there was something else I was supposed to be doing. But I wasn't sure what it was. After the conversation with this friend, I felt I had more direction, and drove down to the beach. At the time I was staying with my parents, and appreciated having a place nearby to go and pray. I found the beach an inspiring place to talk with God because, to me, it's always been a symbol of beauty and infinity.

As I sat there that late afternoon, I prayed: "Father, I don't care whether my purpose is to wash dishes, pursue a completely different line of work, or go back to teaching. Whatever it is, I will do it. Please just let me know what it is. And show me how." I'd learned in Christian Science that it's important to pray without preconceived conditions attached. This removes human will from the picture and allows unlimited spiritual ideas to shine through. Many times before, I'd seen how it's effective to put aside fear and assumptions about what the answer may be, in order to really be open to God's direction.