Rhythm & Tempo

Listen to the RHYTHM of the falling rain...

We are all born with certain inherent abilities whether we recognize them immediately or not. Activities we are naturally drawn to over and over again. We might have wondered as a child why science experiments were fascinating; how we could perform gymnastic feats at the park playground with no problem; or spend an entire day at the library searching for just the right book. These and many others are why we want to work in a certain area or profession as an adult. Some of us are naturally gifted to work in the medical field, with computers in an information technology (IT) department, or as an elementary or high school teacher, or dream of becoming a college professor or book editor. Others may be perfectly suited to hold positions in the police force, construction, political office, or teaching others how to quilt. It’s not the particular work we do. It’s how well we are fitted to the job that makes the difference.

In the twenty-first century, we thankfully have opportunities to work in any field we choose no matter our gender, race, or marital status. Some type of education or training--including on-the-job--will be necessary. The fact is if we have a genuine desire to flourish and grow, and if we persevere through all the effort it takes, we can get to where we want to go using our natural abilities.

Once we finally arrive at our chosen destination, we still have places to go. There is no such thing as remaining in one position over five or ten years. How many of us have been asked in our annual review, “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?” Employers have a definite aversion to someone who is not active and progressing. Think of it this way: remaining stagnant is not attractive! Thriving in business is a constant learning environment. The meter ticks rhythmically back and forth between one lesson and the next; between beginner and advanced levels. If we welcome and desire momentum in our occupations, we can accomplish much.

We may also see or experience the opposite. No matter how hard we try, our careers can get temporarily sidetracked or the job doesn’t work out as expected. Or we find a need to move from one city to another having to backtrack just a bit to catch up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average worker will hold around fifteen jobs in their lifetime for one reason or another. So we are not alone.

What we want and need is to protect ourselves by finding the best way to remain in a job--at least long enough to get that promotion--before moving on to the next big thing. Other than obvious responsibilities, like showing up on time for work, there are plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy our working years in the process. To get the ball rolling, try one or two of these foundational steps and build from there:

• Stand Out: don’t just follow the crowd, do the right thing.
• Be a Champion: lead with courage and stand up for the underdog.
• Fill in the Gaps: help a coworker who is struggling with her duties. We all have bad days.
• Be an Example: show love, offer encouragement, and extend a helping hand.
• Compromise: it’s not necessary to always have the last word; try humbleness instead.

Tip of the Day

Living life is certainly difficult to figure out, especially right now. Finding the answers for what to do can seem nearly hopeless. How do we survive from living as part of a couple to making it on our own? Every day, every job, every place will not always be perfect for us, maybe not even a little bit, maybe not for a while. But it’s never hopeless.

This is where we realize when we are at the “end of our rope” there is a safety knot to catch us! If we learn to trust in God, we will not fall or even stumble. There may even be a day God will lead us right into a new relationship and, then, we will be on an entirely different path to conquer. But for now, in this growing season in our lives, God has other plans for us. We can only cooperate and do our very best. That’s all He asks of us. We can do it!

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Galatians 6:4-5 The Message).