Networking Kills: Success Through ServingSample

Serving Creates Purpose

When my son Harrison turned 16, we handed down to him my black 1989 Range Rover that we affectionately call “The Beast”, and he and I started talking about potential summer jobs that would help him pay for his gas and other costs. I began naming a few places he could apply: Chick-fil-A? “Boring.” How about that new Publix?  “That would be really boring.” How about the Juice Bar? “Nah, kind of boring.” Finally, I stopped him. “OK, enough with the “boring.”  I want to help you get a fresh vision and purpose for your first job. You must see this first job (and every job) as a place to serve others -- not as a place for you to get your emotional needs met.”  If you ask the question, where is a place that is filled with people that need me and need my gifts—then step into that place desiring to bring life and joy to customers and co-workers—then you will have true purpose that enables you to get through the tough days at any job. It’s important to remember: There is no dream job, but serving can create purpose and contentment that can make the most difficult job feel like a dream. Oh, by the way, he nailed a job at Starbucks! When your work is centered on others, purpose is found.

Reflection

Where do you need to get a fresh vision for serving others in order to find personal contentment and purpose (job, business, school, the arts, etc.)? By faith, begin to see your ability to change the world and leave a mark—one person at a time. Identify one or two people in your life where that can begin this week.