I think I am going to print them out and address them in my meditation this month (not just in meeting but in my own meditiation time)

At the same time, I feel driven to learn, teach and write, and not about programming. I want to make this world a better place, and not just on my downtime.

I’ve invested so much time in web and database development by now that I’m loathe to throw that experience away as well.

These are my concerns and worries; next step–finding some clarity on this subject. I will continue to meditate on these queries this weekend.

Elise:

After I posted my response regarding how my talents could be better utilized in another vocational setting, I really appreciated that you pointed out your ability to adapt and make things work. I think I was thinking about talents as a specific skill set, but I feel like your comment helped me to see beyond that. I think that most people possess some sort of characteristic that can help them to thrive in many work situations. Your pointing out your adaptability, has challenged me a little bit more to think about core characteristics of myself that could be helpful in most job situations- even those that aren’t exactly ideal.

I haven’t had a chance to think for an hour, but here is my initial reactions to these questions.

My first realization is that I probably have chosen my vocation based more on leadings that involve desires for stability, comfort, money, respect, and ease more than leadings based on the Spirit.

The second question caused me to consciously think that many of my talents could be used in any vocation. And I really mean pretty much any vocation. For example, I think I am pretty adaptable and able to maintain a postitive attitude even in difficult circumstances, and I can incorporate these talents into my current profession or just about any other. It’s nice to realize that I have talents I can be using in my current situation, even if it is not as ideal as I imagined it would be five years ago.

Also, the stability my current vocation offers me (like a steady income, free weekends, and medical care) can actually enhance my spiritual life by giving me time to think and meditate and read. An extreme opposite example may be if I was constantly worried about where my next meal was coming from or if I would have a roof over my head during the next storm, I may not have the luxury of even giving thought to anything spiritual at all.

Thanks for sharing these questions, John!