Roughly speaking, we spend about 1/3 of our lives at work. That figure is based on the assumption that we work 8 hour days and 40 hour weeks.
In a world where work and life are often anything but balanced, these figures are most likely generous. When you consider we spend another 1/3 sleeping, and that much of our free time is centered around preparing for work, many people feel like they have little to no time for what is truly meaningful to them.
While many may be perfectly happy with their career, not everyone is currently in their “dream job.” Not every plan for one’s life works out. In our culture we place a high value on achieving our goals, when, in reality, most people often end up in situations they never anticipated. We may end up in jobs where we do not clearly understand how we are doing anything meaningful to the world. Does this imply that all the hours of our lives spent earning a living are truly wasted?
As a Lutheran Christian organization, we cherish the concept of vocation. Vocation can often be understood as a “calling” from God on your life. This calling not only applies to pastors or missionaries, but to everyone, regardless of occupation. God ministers through us in every aspect of our life, no matter how mundane. Are you a father? A mother? A neighbor? A citizen? A co-worker? In all of these roles, God works through you as you love, serve and interact with others. This brings nobility and spiritual significance, to every portion of our daily human existence.
All this may sound well and good, but it can also be hard to practically understand and apply to your life. That is why, on March 19th, 2015, we are holding an event to help you “advance your career and discover your calling.” We will give practical tips and insights that impact you on two levels. First, they aim to genuinely help you be more successful in your current line of work. However, they also are centered on core concepts about the intrinsic vocational value of work. Or going, one step further, your absolute intrinsic value as a unique person created in God’s own image.
Please consider joining us at one of our thirteen learning centers, or online via webinar.
— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.
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