Comments on: At the corner of gladness and need http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/ A forum for discussion of news that arises at the intersection of Christianity and culture. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:20:14 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Flaming Icarus http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-279972 Flaming Icarus Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:46:21 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-279972 I think there is a flip side to pursuing one's passion. Namely, do we suffer more to attain the dream job than we would if we just "got a real job"? Looking back on my career so far, I wonder if I would have had the resilience to get through the stress, the unrealistic demands and the poor pay if I hadn't been so vigorously in pursuit of "the dream". Would I have suffered such poor conditions if they had occured in a "bread and butter" job? I can't be certain, but I doubt that I would have. I think there is a flip side to pursuing one’s passion. Namely, do we suffer more to attain the dream job than we would if we just “got a real job”?

Looking back on my career so far, I wonder if I would have had the resilience to get through the stress, the unrealistic demands and the poor pay if I hadn’t been so vigorously in pursuit of “the dream”. Would I have suffered such poor conditions if they had occured in a “bread and butter” job? I can’t be certain, but I doubt that I would have.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: Ajisuun http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-279970 Ajisuun Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:45:34 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-279970 Outdeep, Agreed. Sometimes we are fortunate to have a job doing something we are passionate about which also pays the bills. Many people don't have that luxury. They work the job to pay the bills and pursue their passion in other ways. Occasionally, this independent indulgence of their passion leads to a different job where their passion and talents lie, but often not. Outdeep,
Agreed. Sometimes we are fortunate to have a job doing something we are passionate about which also pays the bills. Many people don’t have that luxury. They work the job to pay the bills and pursue their passion in other ways. Occasionally, this independent indulgence of their passion leads to a different job where their passion and talents lie, but often not.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: Karen O http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277411 Karen O Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:02:43 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277411 Tony - But then God gave Moses the help of Aaron as his "mouthpiece", which demonstrates how God often brings others alongside us to fill in our gaps. In a way, we're all to fill in the gaps of each other. Tony – But then God gave Moses the help of Aaron as his “mouthpiece”, which demonstrates how God often brings others alongside us to fill in our gaps.

In a way, we’re all to fill in the gaps of each other.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: outdeep http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277391 outdeep Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:47:52 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277391 Theologically I would agree with you. God probably does care about our passions. Nevertheless, the vast majority of people through out history work to make a living. Relatively few have the luxury to work to fulfill their passion. Of all those with a passion to write, maybe 5% get to make a living at it. The rest have to make ends meet by getting a job at Wal-Mart or wherever their their training or job experiences leads them. This was even truer in times past when vocational choice was not even an option. ("No Father, I will not tend the sheep - I want to be a writer". Ha!) I would love to work in an area I was passionate about. The truth is, in my situation I have to fulfill my passion on my own time in volunteer work because passion does not always translate into jobs that pay the bills. In fact, for most people, it does not. So, one should follow their passion, trust God that He might open doors of sorts, but I wouldn't dangle the carrot too much. Sometimes you just have to work to make a living. Theologically I would agree with you. God probably does care about our passions. Nevertheless, the vast majority of people through out history work to make a living. Relatively few have the luxury to work to fulfill their passion. Of all those with a passion to write, maybe 5% get to make a living at it. The rest have to make ends meet by getting a job at Wal-Mart or wherever their their training or job experiences leads them. This was even truer in times past when vocational choice was not even an option. (”No Father, I will not tend the sheep – I want to be a writer”. Ha!)

I would love to work in an area I was passionate about. The truth is, in my situation I have to fulfill my passion on my own time in volunteer work because passion does not always translate into jobs that pay the bills. In fact, for most people, it does not.

So, one should follow their passion, trust God that He might open doors of sorts, but I wouldn’t dangle the carrot too much. Sometimes you just have to work to make a living.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: Tony Woodlief http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277367 Tony Woodlief Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:07:42 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277367 Michelle, I've wondered the same thing, if my perceived calling to write has nothing to do with widespread publication. I confess I don't like that thought very much, which is a sign I still need humbling in that area. Outdeep, I believe God, having created us in his image, has crafted us so that we are most fulfilled when engaged in some aspect of creation ourselves. For some that would be art, for others the creation of a loving home for their children, for others, some kind of healing, for others, growing food, and so on. I believe when we are not engaged in some aspect of creation, we are prone to malaise and sloth. That would suggest that God does care whether we are passionate about what we do. I see it as wrapped up in what Os Guinness describes as the artificial distinction between the sacred and the secular -- the notion that there are "God things," which involve Bible reading and church attendance (or "full-time ministry," if one is a pastor or missionary), and then "world things," which are the rest of the necessities of our existence, and which we imagine God is largely indifferent to, compared to the "God things." The Bible says, however, that he directs the paths of those who acknowledge him in all their ways, and that he gives them the desires of their hearts, and that he has prepared their good works beforehand, all of which imply that God cares about the entirety of our activities. Reg, I don't know if we can understand the world's need, but perhaps just the needs in our little corners of it, though I find often that there have been needs all along, to which I have been blind. Alisa, You are right on with gifts being in there. Someone once said: "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly," and there's something to that, but it's probably safe to assume that for most of us, the paths we are to walk have something to do with our God-given strengths. On the other hand, the Lord called Moses to lead his people out of bondage, even though Moses was a terrible public speaker. Michelle, I’ve wondered the same thing, if my perceived calling to write has nothing to do with widespread publication. I confess I don’t like that thought very much, which is a sign I still need humbling in that area.

Outdeep,
I believe God, having created us in his image, has crafted us so that we are most fulfilled when engaged in some aspect of creation ourselves. For some that would be art, for others the creation of a loving home for their children, for others, some kind of healing, for others, growing food, and so on. I believe when we are not engaged in some aspect of creation, we are prone to malaise and sloth. That would suggest that God does care whether we are passionate about what we do. I see it as wrapped up in what Os Guinness describes as the artificial distinction between the sacred and the secular — the notion that there are “God things,” which involve Bible reading and church attendance (or “full-time ministry,” if one is a pastor or missionary), and then “world things,” which are the rest of the necessities of our existence, and which we imagine God is largely indifferent to, compared to the “God things.” The Bible says, however, that he directs the paths of those who acknowledge him in all their ways, and that he gives them the desires of their hearts, and that he has prepared their good works beforehand, all of which imply that God cares about the entirety of our activities.

Reg,
I don’t know if we can understand the world’s need, but perhaps just the needs in our little corners of it, though I find often that there have been needs all along, to which I have been blind.

Alisa,
You are right on with gifts being in there. Someone once said: “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly,” and there’s something to that, but it’s probably safe to assume that for most of us, the paths we are to walk have something to do with our God-given strengths. On the other hand, the Lord called Moses to lead his people out of bondage, even though Moses was a terrible public speaker.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: janie http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277350 janie Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:24:23 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277350 I really enjoy reading, so in that sense all you writers are filling a need! :smile: I've been told often that I express myself well and "should write", but it is definitely not a passion for me, except when I have something specific to express which I have a "passion" for. So it's settled--I'm not a writer. Good stuff, Tony! I really enjoy reading, so in that sense all you writers are filling a need! :smile:

I’ve been told often that I express myself well and “should write”, but it is definitely not a passion for me, except when I have something specific to express which I have a “passion” for. So it’s settled–I’m not a writer.

Good stuff, Tony!

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: Grey Archer http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277266 Grey Archer Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:05:50 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277266 Ok...I have a deep need for your work Tony. Now you're complete. Now what the heck am I supposed to do. ;) Good stuff, Sir. Keep up the terrific writing. Ok…I have a deep need for your work Tony. Now you’re complete. Now what the heck am I supposed to do. ;)

Good stuff, Sir. Keep up the terrific writing.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: Emelina http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277246 Emelina Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:58:46 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277246 I appreciated this article and conversation. I know the verse you're talking about, and it's inspired me since high school. As long as you all keep writing well, I'll keep reading. I appreciated this article and conversation. I know the verse you’re talking about, and it’s inspired me since high school.

As long as you all keep writing well, I’ll keep reading.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: alissa http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277188 alissa Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:32:57 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277188 To add to Alisa: <i>Especially</i> published writers get burned out. And yes - I think I'm finding my vocation by noting where God has gifted me, and where He hasn't. I spent the last year agonizing over the fact that I can't write fiction to save my life (truly). And then I realized that all that means is that if God wants me to write a novel, he'll just have to give that novel to me in His grace, and what I need to do is be ready to write it down (and I'll definitely know that it's not due to my brilliance). And in the meantime, I just keep writing. To add to Alisa: Especially published writers get burned out.

And yes – I think I’m finding my vocation by noting where God has gifted me, and where He hasn’t. I spent the last year agonizing over the fact that I can’t write fiction to save my life (truly). And then I realized that all that means is that if God wants me to write a novel, he’ll just have to give that novel to me in His grace, and what I need to do is be ready to write it down (and I’ll definitely know that it’s not due to my brilliance). And in the meantime, I just keep writing.

Report comment to moderator

]]> By: Make it Man http://online.worldmag.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/comment-page-1/#comment-277162 Make it Man Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:14:21 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/02/25/at-the-corner-of-gladness-and-need/#comment-277162 <i>"I write because I can’t help it. I write because sometimes, in the midst of it, I feel like I am doing what I was crafted to do."</i> There. That's the thing I was looking for. In this you have an answer that resonates deeply with me. I used to agonize through the very things you describe - only in reference to being an artist. I decided once in college to take my painting seriously - of a sudden it became <i>work.</i> Something I had always enjoyed became drudgery and I slogged through it. I didn't do it much after that. Now later in life, I have relaxed, since the kids are near grown, and I've slaved many a year doing what I disliked anyway... (I was an auto-mechanic in a former life. :-( ) I now feel this same way any time I make something - it doesn't matter if it's watercolor, or cabinet work, or a jig to use in the shop, developing some programming, or even... an artistic turning - <b>I'm making stuff because I can't help it.</b> I've got to make something or explode... I feel the God has made me for this purpose, and when I'm not doing it, I feel I've wasted what he's given me. I resolved one of my worst anxieties about making things because I finally realized it's not within me to stick to one medium forever and ever, amen. I realized that I need a wide variety of things to keep my mind occupied. Simply becoming a watercolor artist didn't satisfy my need for the technical/mechanical/spatial part of my nature. Since accepting this, my anxiety level dropped significantly... And making things isn't drudgery.... “I write because I can’t help it. I write because sometimes, in the midst of it, I feel like I am doing what I was crafted to do.”

There. That’s the thing I was looking for. In this you have an answer that resonates deeply with me.

I used to agonize through the very things you describe – only in reference to being an artist. I decided once in college to take my painting seriously – of a sudden it became work. Something I had always enjoyed became drudgery and I slogged through it. I didn’t do it much after that.

Now later in life, I have relaxed, since the kids are near grown, and I’ve slaved many a year doing what I disliked anyway… (I was an auto-mechanic in a former life. :-( )

I now feel this same way any time I make something – it doesn’t matter if it’s watercolor, or cabinet work, or a jig to use in the shop, developing some programming, or even… an artistic turning – I’m making stuff because I can’t help it. I’ve got to make something or explode… I feel the God has made me for this purpose, and when I’m not doing it, I feel I’ve wasted what he’s given me.

I resolved one of my worst anxieties about making things because I finally realized it’s not within me to stick to one medium forever and ever, amen. I realized that I need a wide variety of things to keep my mind occupied. Simply becoming a watercolor artist didn’t satisfy my need for the technical/mechanical/spatial part of my nature. Since accepting this, my anxiety level dropped significantly…

And making things isn’t drudgery….

Report comment to moderator

]]>