Power, Prestige, and Position

When we examine our society, which is generally called capitalist (because of its methods of producing and controlling wealth) and is bourgeois (because of prevailing concern for acquisition and material interests, and its emphasis on respectability and mediocrity), we find it far from God's justice,

In labour, human need is no longer the reason for human work. Instead, the unbridled expansion of technology, necessary to capitalism and viewed as "progress," holds sway. Jobs are concentrated in productivity and administration for a "high tech," war-related, consumer society of disposable goods, so that labourers are trapped in work that does not contribute to human welfare. furthermore, as jobs become more specialized, many people are excluded from meaningful work or are alienated from the products of their labour. Even in farming, agribusiness has replaced agriculture, and in all areas moral restraints are run over roughshod, and a disregard for the laws of nature now threatens the very planet.

Many of the blog readers will know that I have been on the search for meaningful employment for a while. Resumes were sent out earlier to colleges and universities around the country, and the negative responses were more encouraging than one might at first think. "Your CV is awesome and you would be a valuable asset to any college or university, and while we have nothing that meets with your qualifications and experience we will keep your CV on file for the future." I have saved many of the rejection notices and have said to Gina, "That if I am ever feeling down in the dumps, I will pull them out and re-read them for the encouragement that they contain."

However, Solomon says that "Man proposes; God disposes" (Prov. 16:9); and it was not God's plan to have me return to the hallowed, but sometimes meaningless, halls of education. He rather has given me more meaningful labours that might more readily contribute to human welfare, at least to my own. As of Monday last, I became the most highly educated dish washer on the North Island, and as humbling as this might seen, it is hard to express the joy I feel in serving the public. Now, I am not solely committed to working the dish washer. I have opportunities to prep the food for others, and the responsibility to work the line for breakfast and lunch.

If you are a regular reader of the blog you will already know of my journey, and the joy that has come my way through meaningful labour. My encouragement for your journey is not to take yourself too seriously, revel in the joy of the labours to which God has brought you. John Becket, chairman of the R.W. Becket Corporation in Elyria. Ohio, writes, "After much soul searching I released my future to God. "This business can't be mine and yours at the same time. If you are asking me to forego my education, training, and experience to do something else, I'm willing." An overwhelming sense of his affirmation and peace resulted.

"John," the Father seemed to say, "I needed to know that you were willing to follow me, whatever, wherever, and whenever. But you are where I wanted you to be."

There is great joy in being at the center of God's will.