A More Beautiful LifeSample

Trade and Talent

The Trade and Talent Life Segment asks the question, How do we organize our working hours so that we may contribute our highest and best self to our community? Giving of our talents, skills, and abilities is part of the beautiful life we long for. How do we give without upsetting the precious, but precarious, balance we have just infused in our lives?

Here’s an amazing thing: when the other four Life Segments are in balance, this one is almost unrecognizable from what it was before. When I show up for work (at my desk, with a client, or online) with my life and HEART in order, my work serves me just as much as I serve it. I’ve just filled my HEART, and I’m not working with a deficit of time, attention, and energy anymore. I show up rested, realistic, and empowered to respond confidently to whatever the day throws at me.

My biggest struggle with T is that, like kudzu or green ghost slime, it threatens to suffocate everything else. I have to remind myself that if (and when) I let work take over, everything suffers—including my work. When my projects are all I’m thinking about, all the time—when I’m heading back to my office after dinner and checking email before breakfast—I’m in the danger zone.

I’ve repeatedly learned that my life is better when I prioritize the other four letters, putting T in its due place; everything functions better. I’m energized—physically and emotionally—my relationships are stable, my home and finances are in (a semblance of) order. With these potential obstacles managed to the best of my ability, I’m poised to handle work projects, and yes, even work stress.

When Trade and Talent are properly positioned on the priority list, I don’t bring less to the table. I bring more. Because I have more to give.

In his book, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC, Frederick Buechner said, “By and large a good rule for finding out is this: the kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work (a) that you need most to do and (b) that the world most needs to have done. . . . The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

I couldn’t agree more. I’ve divided Buechner’s sentiment into two questions. Use these questions as a reflection tool as you consider the best ways to get your work-life in balance.

1. Are you helping others with your talents?

2. Are you pursuing your dreams?

Romans 9:17 reminds us, “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” God does call us to things, like work, in this life, and He gives us the strength and ability to do that work. As we cultivate our work life, can we push ourselves to connect our skills and passions to serve a need? That’s the sweet spot. How have I used my gifts to serve my people and my community? If you can check that box every day, then you are on the right track—and, frankly, you’re ahead of most of the world.

But this is not only about helping others with your talents. It’s also about moving toward your dreams. Because your dreams, in my estimation, are not there arbitrarily. Our dreams have been placed in our hearts so we can bring our greatest gifts to our communities. This is what Buechner is talking about when he says, “deep gladness.” The Lord is the ultimate source of our joy and gladness. “For you make me glad by your deed, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done” (Psalm 92:4).

Are you a Sunday school teacher? Do you organize events? Maybe you’re the Girl Scout troop leader. With Trade and Talent tap into your God-given sense of purpose and joy.

Respond

Have you identified God’s purpose for you? What is it?

Write a brief letter to Jesus thanking Him for revealing your purpose or ask Him to show it to you.

Prayer

Precious Redeemer, may I be faithful to You, and may my walk honor You as I live out my purpose!