Education and practical benefit
- At August 31, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
With school on the horizon, it is worth reflecting on the value of taking the time to study, to improve yourself, and to learn new skills.
College, university, technical schools and training programs, even high school and primary or elementary schools can help you do that. A formal and focused settings isn’t absolutely necessary. Many people who do not have a formal education have an education nonetheless. But it sure helps if you can take a large chunk of time, focus on a specific area of interest, and come away with valuable new skills.
Keep in mind, though, that schools are by and large subsidized and to some extent artificial environments. This is to say, that very few people could afford to pay for their education if each student was charged tuition and the rate was set to cover all the costs involved. Building and operating a school is a very expensive prospect. Get in the habit of being very thankful if you pay very little or next to nothing and yet routinely go to school each day. Having said that, not everything you learn is such a setting is necessarily going to benefit you personally or help you down the road.
Discernment will be required early on in your education.
Money comes in, most often from taxpayers, and the bills get paid whether where is tangible practical benefit from studying each and every part of the curriculum or not. This isn’t to suggest that it is a good idea to be constantly questioning the rationale behind every single assignment that you are asked to do. But be aware, that there can be a big difference between what you may need to do to make it through the system, and what you really need to know in order to succeed when you get outside.
In saying this, I have no desire to offend any hard-working teachers or professors. But the reality is that their success is not always tied very tightly to yours. You will need to take responsibility for yourself. You will need to determine what you really need to know.
It is a good idea to begin by paying attention to what is basic and essential. Acquire basic knowledge and essential practical skills. Build from there. It depends what you want to do with your life. But very often, your marks won’t matter nearly as much as you might think. At one level, nobody is going to care even if you get good marks in, say, accounting. They will care though, if this means that you can get a job and then provide them with a quality service that they really need.
Yes, begin with the basics. Focus on practical outcomes. Become sophisticated and culturally refined if you like, but do this on the side; don’t make it your main concern.
From there, try to explore and develop a personal area of interest. This is to say, that it is a good idea to commit to a specific career path as soon as you can. Find out what you enjoy, what you are good at, what type of personality you have, and how you might go about identifying a career direction that takes these things into consideration. It can take a long time to get the training that you need. It can be very expensive as the years go by. So get started as soon as you can.
Be sure that you will clearly have a valuable service to offer others when your formal education comes to an end.
© Career & Life Direction 2012. All rights reserved.
Surviving and thriving
Having a safe place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear, clean water to drink, health care…all of these basic needs are obviously very important. And so are some basic beliefs.
Take the belief in God, for example. Turn your attention more specifically towards the gospel and Christ. What will you find? Whether you realize it or not, something significant that can meet your basic needs. Oh yeah, you can live without such a conviction. Many people and communities and cultures and countries do. But you can’t constantly think about what you believe and live very well for very long.
Cars break down if they do not receive the attention and care that they need, and so do people and relationships and entire cultures.
One of the often-repeated messages here at Career & Life Direction is simply this: Your life matters. Now, either this statement is true or it isn’t. I can’t say, “Your life matters because I say that it matters and will live like it matters and talk endlessly about how much it matters.” Blathering on like that won’t do much good. How would that help?
Don’t wait around for God to do everything for you while engaging in pious talk
Simon & Garfunkel wrote a beautiful and yet sad song many years ago. The title is worth mentioning at this point. It was called “The Sound of Silence.”
A shift towards a post-modern or atheistic worldview has the same effect as global warming: It makes solid-looking things melt away. Rational thought eventually melts when a Judeo-Christian worldview is rejected for too long, but that is another story. When the thinking ends, the chanting begins. It sounds something like this: “My life matters! My life matters! Don’t say it doesn’t! Don’t say it doesn’t! That is hateful! That is hateful! You are a hater! You are a hater!”
Exit: careful consideration. Enter: a mob mentality.
One positive aspect, though, about all the excessive chanting and noise, is that it suggests that most people have a deep conviction that their lives really do matter. They just don’t know why.
Don’t believe me? It is not so important whether or not you agree with everything I think or say. But you might want to ask yourself this question: “Who or what do I really believe?” Does your worldview imply that your life is anything much to get excited about? If it doesn’t, could it be that there is something wrong with what you presently believe?
Believing that your life matters, having this strong core conviction, will help you move ahead in your life. It will help you survive and even thrive.
If you do accept the gospel and a Christian worldview at some point, be sure to then avoid the problem of passivity. And yes, passivity is potentially a very large problem for Christian people. For the gospel is all about grace; it is all about a gift. At the core, the main message is about what Christ accomplished on our behalf by dying on the cross. It is all about choosing whether or not to accept this. There really isn’t much to do. And the implication is that your life and your future really, really, really, matters to God.
This message or story has been refered to as the gospel or “good news” for centuries. Have you ever wondered why?
Although the gospel is incredibly important, remember that it is part of a larger story. Yes, God has taken the responsibility to offer each human being who has ever lived a very valuable gift – something each person needs. But at the same time, it is very clear that God has no intention of doing absolutely everything for you or for me. In other words, you still have a lot of responsibility. You have a life to live. You have choices to make. You have gifts and talents that you need to find ways to develop and use. There are many things that you need to do.
So don’t wait around for God to do everything for you while engaging in pious talk. As a Christian, you need to learn to take responsibility for your own life under God. Please be sure to take this advice in the way that it is intended. It isn’t a random cutting remark. It is a strong word of encouragement.
For what it is worth, I have a graduate degree in Christian studies and I have lived long enough as a Christian to make more than a few mistakes. From my perspective, it is impossible to sort out exactly how my will and my choices relates to God’s. Christian theologians will be talking and arguing about this for years to come. What matters is that God has acted and will act in this world, and that you and I need to act too.
Don’t underestimate the measure of power and potential influence that you have been given. If a large and growing number of Christian people are taking strategic action daily throughout this world, it is going to make difference. A big difference.
Who knows? Maybe you have a large role to play right where you have been placed on the planet. Maybe you will help your community and culture and civilization survive and even thrive.
Taking the time to clarify your career and life direction is one way that you can act right now.
© Career & Life Direction 2012. All rights reserved.
Finding freedom
- At August 07, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
He had been running around. Running all over the place. Running on empty. Frantic. In a frenzy. Smartphone in hand. Looking urban and edgy. Tired. Weary. Lonely, if the truth must be told. But still running, and wondering why. It seemed like forever since he had even noticed the birds or the sky.
Forty-five “friends” on Facebook called for his attention today. Sixty-two emails magically appeared in his inbox. The phone kept on ringing all day. And walking home from the office, he was greeted by dozens of fourteen-second ads on a four-foot-wide flat screen TV. The carefully crafted images seemed more real and more appealing than his reality. For today was only Tuesday. The weekend was a long ways away. Felt like it would never come.
Settling into his favorite chair, his attention was quickly riveted on one thing after another that was apparently missing in his life. Then again, maybe something was?
No, he didn’t need another remote control device complete with twenty-five bewildering buttons. He had enough. More than enough of those. If only he could find the one he needed right now to change the channel. That would be nice. It must be somewhere in that pile of magazines and books and papers over there by the couch. Ah, there it was. It was parked on top the 250-page manual that was required reading to make it work. What a nightmare! It took one of his friends two weeks just to figure out how to turn his TV on. So much for living in a progressive modern world.
Another day…and another computer system somewhere goes down.
Technology. All of these gadgets were very nice. They worked well, when the worked. They were luxuries that many people living in less fortunate parts of the world would have longed for. What would the world be like without the Internet? Without cell phones and voice mail and television and cars and airplanes and skyscrapers, etc.? These innovations had added a lot. But, at the same time, sometimes it felt as if technology had taken over his life. In fact, right now he was struck with the realization that a combination of people and ideas and things had pretty much completely taken over his life.
For all the talk about a new level of cultural freedom he was feeling more controlled than he ever had been. More confined. He seemed to be drifting along for the most part. Doing and thinking and living as he was told. He could, for example, believe whatever he wanted as long as he chose to believe that. The extra activity he had inadvertently signed up for now appeared to be a necessary part of this philosophical package. It served to cloak the aching emptiness that turned up everywhere as a result. Slowing down. Taking the time to stop and think. That was the real danger now.
How could he ever hope to develop a clear sense of direction in his life if he was buying into this way of thinking and always incredibly busy?
Is this how he wanted to keep on living? Bouncing from one sound bite and one image and one experience and one complicated device and one demand and one belief system to another? The other day he noticed a fellow on the street with a slogan on his shirt. This is what it said: “THINK: It isn’t illegal yet.”
The view was beautiful from up here. Fifteen floors up, his condo had a commanding view of the skyline and the surrounding area. But who had the time to take it all in? The city lights, the river winding out into the bay, the ocean off in the distance, the ships coming in…it was too much to process in a moment or in a lifetime. Images were coming back from the rover on Mars now. There they were, in high-definition, on his TV. And how did they compare to the view from his balcony?
Turning around, and walking back inside, he came to one clear conclusion: This planet, this place, was made for living; and it was time to take action in a whole new way and finally begin to live his life.
© Career & Life Direction 2012. All rights reserved.
Why I like Americans
- At July 21, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
An appropriate subtitle to this career column might be “What Americans have to offer the world.” Please remember, though, that this modest website has a global focus. This post could be about any group of people. But Americans happen to be my next door neighbours. And so, as I offer a few words of affirmation to my American friends and neighbours, perhaps you might be thinking about the people who live next to you.
Everybody has something to offer.
It hardly needs to be mentioned, but the observations that follow are based merely on my own perspective and experience living on the top of the North American continent or, as Canada is sometimes known, in the “Great White North.” In other words, I am not claiming to be an expert on American culture. As well, this short list is not at all exhaustive and is offered in no particular order.
What do Americans have to offer?
1. A strong military presence
From my perspective, Canada has benefited greatly by being located on the edge of the American empire and under the shadow of the American shield. Let’s face it. Nobody in Canada really expects that the Canadian military is equipped to defend the country from a large and hostile nation. We are a small country, and have always been associated with – and to some extent dependent on – larger world powers. I for one am very thankful that the USA understands the importance of “walking softly and carrying a big stick.”
Oh, I am all for peace. But the harsh reality is that there are other military powers in the world that pose a significant threat to countries like Canada. So, if you are one of the millions of Americans who is somehow contributing to the defence of the free world…thanks. Thanks a lot. Your effort is much appreciated. Your sacrifice has made this world a better place.
Please don’t take this as an affirmation of absolutely everything the American military has ever done. But, at the same time, please try to understand that Americans are providing a great service to the Western world and beyond that often goes unnoticed.
2. A spirit of generosity
For whatever reason, Americans are an unusually generous group of people. They tend to volunteer a lot and give away a larger percentage of their money. The surveys I have seen confirm this again and again. Combine a large and powerful economy with a spirit of generosity and you have a recipe for doing a lot of good in this world. Americans seem to be everywhere doing all kinds of things to help people.
Many Canadians are giving people, but overall we are not as generous as the folks next door. Maybe one day we will catch up. But for now, they have us beat.
Right now, though, many Americans are facing serious financial difficulties. My hope and prayer is that their economy will fully recover; that they will rise up once again to their full financial height; and that they will continue to shower the world with their incredible generosity.
This world could use a few more Americans. If that means people who work hard and give of themselves generously…we could use many, many more.
3. Christian Influence
If you compare the USA to other nations, you will notice that this country is made up of a very large percentage of people who identify themselves as Christians. While some people may resent Christian influence, I am not one of them. This weary world could use a great deal more authentic Christian influence. Bring it on.
It is fashionable to assume that it doesn’t really matter what you believe; that religion is all a matter of personal preference. This is nonsense. In a hundred years people will look back and wonder about the sanity of people who believed such things. Believing “whatever” isn’t going to be very appealing for those who have to deal with all the cultural consequences. If core convictions don’t matter, what does?
Sure, it has always been the case that “Christian” countries were not entirely filled with sweetness and light. But even if you have no desire to be connected with the strong Christian heritage in the Western world…have a look around. Where exactly would you like to live?
Remove any and all authentic Christian influence from your country today and you might not be as happy as you might think about the nation you are living in tomorrow.
So carry on, my American friends. In each and every way, carry on. Become everything you can become. Pursue your potential. Make the difference that you were intended to make. Carry on.
© Career & Life Direction 2012. All rights reserved.
Growing strong together
- At July 18, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
What to say that might be of some encouragement to you in your life journey today?
Can I say that even though we have never met, and likely never will, that I am proud to be identified with you? Yes, you. Would it sound too personal to mention that I am privileged to be associated with you? A complete stranger, perhaps. And would it come across as naive or even foolish to add that I know you are going to make a big difference with your life?
Yes, this world will be different – better – because you were here. When you leave this old world there will be a sense of loss. Do you believe that?
It may not mean much for you to hear some guy on the Internet say this. Understandable so. Somebody much more significant in your life should really be saying these words. But if you haven’t heard them for a while, or if you haven’t really been listening when they came, here they are again: “You matter. Your life matters. You have potential. God made you for a purpose. There is something important for you to do while you are here. Try to gain a glimpse of what that might be. Work at it. Find your place. Live your life. Let it shine!”
Read More»Moving ahead…slowly
- At July 14, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
It is better to move ahead slowly in your life than not to move ahead at all. Feeling frustrated at how long everything seems to take? Longing for something new and different in your life? Waiting and wondering if that day will ever come? Be encouraged. Things take time. What you hope to become and accomplish with your life will not happen instantly or overnight. Sometimes it seems to take the sun forever to show up on the horizon to end the night and brighten the day.
Years ago, I worked my way through a life-planning course of sorts with the help of a mentor or a guide. The authors of this particular resource suggested that the period of greatest life influence usually takes place between the age of 40 and 60. If you are over sixty years of age, please do not read this and be discouraged. Life isn’t over yet. You still have much to offer and much to give. But, if you are in the twenty or thirty-something range, remember: It takes quite a few years to produce good wine.
Sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you can finally find a place where you can truly stand. Once you feel the full weight of the futility of this life, for example, living for the glory of God begins to make sense. What you think is really important when you are 20 is not always what you will value when you are 40. Growing older is, of course, not always synonymous with maturity or growth. But it is often the case that wisdom comes with age.
It is when your vision fades and you are wearing bifocals that you usually begin to see more clearly in other ways.
Be assured that the purpose of this brief post is not to put anyone down. The purpose is rather to remind you that you need to be patient. Patience is a virtue for a variety of reasons. So rather than trying to move ahead too quickly in your life, choose to be content with making a little progress each day.
© Career & Life Direction 2012. All rights reserved
Adding to your anxiety
- At July 06, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Career Advice, Meeting Needs
- 0
One way to eventually reduce your career and life direction anxiety is to try to become exceedingly more anxious than you are right now. No, really. Go crazy. Up the anti. Crank up the volume. Hit that panic button with a sledge-hammer. WHAM! Swing with both hands. Get yourself worked up into an emotional frenzy. Cut loose. Have a complete meltdown. Savour the moment. Try to temporarily feel the full weight of your desparate sate.
In other words, make a concerted effort to really freak yourself out. It won’t take long. But the overall positive impact on your perspective could be long-lasting.
This dramatic and intense approach isn’t, of course, usually a very good idea. If you are like most people, you need to be encouraged to worry less not more; you need to find time to focus on what is positive and get in the habit of tuning-out what is negative; you also need to turn up what is true and learn to turn down all the anxiety-producing lies.
Read More»Earth, sea, and sky
- At June 21, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
Considering trying out a new and improved career and life direction is comparable to standing on the shore and about to step into a small boat.
Chances are that you will feel a sense of unease and a great deal of apprehension. Even fear. Yes, fear. Don’t be surprised if the air suddenly feels cool down by the water as you watch the waves crashing into the shore. You feel chilled. You feel uncomfortable and out-of-place. Cold. Salt is in the air; you can taste it. And the wind is picking up. One after another, larger and louder they come; the waves come. What seemed soothing and relaxing while walking along the beach is, well, frightening now that you have gotten a little closer and a bit wet.
You might not want to admit it, but you are feeling more than a little concerned. You are afraid. If there was a panic button nearby you might be inclined to push it. If you didn’t think you might need them later, you would already be firing off your flares.
If only you could fly like the seagulls that are circling overhead. Fly directly and effortlessly to your destination. Quickly and safely. Without a care in the world. If only. But you can’t. You will soon be bound to that boat – that old, wooden boat.
Read More»Training her strengths
- At June 15, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
Clara Hughes can go faster and further than most. Watch and wait and see. Standing on the sidelines she will blast right on by before you know it. Six Olympic metals offer proof of her athletic ability and tell part of her personal story.
When it comes to speed and endurance, especially endurance, she is very difficult to beat. Let her lace-up her skates or get her on her bike and she will keep going and going and going. Fast.
In Mr. Bean’s Holiday, Rowan Atkinson may have been impressively speedy on his borrowed bike in his frustrated attempt to get to La Mer, but he can’t keep up with Clara Hughes. Few can.
Read More»It doesn’t pay to panic
- At June 05, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
It was a set-up.
The young man hobbling towards us on crutches seemed to be eager to help. He appeared to be harmless. He didn’t look like a card-carrying member of the local mafia. On the contrary, he was friendly. He smiled. We forgot that the bad guys rarely look bad. He spoke in broken English with a charming and delightful accent. Surely, here was someone we could trust. Someone who was happy to help out a handful of tourists who couldn’t speak the language and were looking for the local McDonald’s restaurant.
It can’t be far away. Maybe we should ask someone how to get there. Hey, that guy over there speaks a little English. Why don’t we ask him?
If is fair to say that friendliness is what we expected. We had read the tourist pamphlets which, of course, all tend to say the same thing no matter where you plan to go on the planet: “Everyone in Death Valley, etc. is so friendly.” From all the advertising you would think that the “friendlies” had taken over the world. So as our new friend quickly offered to guide us to the golden arches, we all followed right along. And for some reason an image of a group of young sheep now comes to mind.
Read More»StrengthsFinder 2.0
- At May 24, 2012
- By Nathan
- In Meeting Needs
- 0
How accurate is your vision? How clearly can you see yourself?
If you are like most people, you probably have a hard time noticing what is wrong with you and what is right with you. It may well be that neither comes easy. For whatever reason, it is an incredible challenge for many to clearly perceive personal problems and potential. Can’t seem to cut through the haze.
So major faults go undetected for years while great gifts and talents lie dormant. Such is life. Your life and mine. All too often, that is how it seems to be – for a great number of people, anyway.
As you inch towards the end of your life you begin to wonder what could have been.
Call it part of being human. Trace it back to humanity’s historic fall. Try to blame it on biology and all those conniving chemicals. Connect it to the culture in your community. But, regardless of all reasons, the glory and shame of each person’s unique humanity often remains undetected. It flies, as it were, under the radar.
And it can take much more than a moment of clarity and insight to be able to say something like, “Hello, my name is _____ and I am an alcoholic.” Or “Hi, my name is_______ (please insert your own) and I am good at _____.” It can take years. It can take a lifetime. But it doesn’t have to.
Read More»