Live to Work

When I interviewed for my current job, my boss was very clear that the company culture was one of “working to live” rather than “living to work.”

On the surface that made sense and, consequently, was exactly the type of work culture I was looking for.

But for all the wrong reasons.

Some of my earliest jobs were horrific.  Long hours, low pay, uncomfortable working situations.  I worked in a mall during the holidays (more than once pulling a 12+ hour shift).  I worked for a company that demanded overtime yet refused to pay more than $1000 per month in salary.  I worked for a development company where I was cussed out daily by my supervisor for no apparent reason.

I have had several jobs where the idea of working for the sheer enjoyment of working was a hugely foreign concept.

Now, though, I work for a company I respect with people I trust doing a job I enjoy.  It’s quite remarkable, actually, considering how I got to where I am. [Read more...]

My Prayer

Last weekend I had the chance to see a truly amazing concert.  But what made the night even better was the remarkable woman with whom I attended the concert.  Frankly, one of my best Saturday nights all year.  Great music, great messages, great company, and great conversation.

But that conversation was actually quite convicting.

On the way back to town, we started talking about common interests.  Music, television shows, etc.  Somehow we got on the topic of ministry and missions work.  She told me about a trip to Costa Rica and explained how she’d like to do the same kind of work abroad in the future.  Then came the question.

“Have you done any missions work?” [Read more...]

In Pursuit of Passion

It’s rare for someone to completely stump me with a question, but it happens.  I’ll take a minute or two to think, then fire back the best answer I can muster.  I may or may not be right, but I always give the best response I can … even if it’s, “I don’t know.”

A few years ago, though, I was completely dumbfounded by a question.  I went to a career fair at college, hoping to drop my resume in a few promising locations and talk myself up so I could get a job after graduation.  On a whim, I stopped by the table for the Portland Police Department just to see what they had to say.

The presentation was pretty solid.  A good paycheck, working in the community, being able to help people.  It all sounded great.  Particularly when the recruiter told me he was also paid to coach a local basketball game and was allowed to take a trip, on the clock, to Florida when they made it to the championships.  The police have a program that pays officers to be more deeply involved in opportunities like that within the community.  It sounded great, like the stuff all those inspirational sports movies are made of.  But after the presentation, the recruiter asked me a question:

“What are you passionate about?”

I couldn’t even dig up an “um.”  I just stared at him and blinked, not really understanding the question.  It was something no one had ever asked me before, and I didn’t even know how to approach it. [Read more...]

Investing your Talents

On Sunday, we discussed the parable of the talents in church.  It’s one of my favorite passages of scripture, both for the uplifting message about hard work and perseverance and for the convicting way it reminds me not to squander the gifts given me by God.  For those of you keeping track at home, you can listen to the sermon online. [Read more...]

Worry

This past weekend brought a lot of ups and downs for me.  One of the biggest ups was the Race for the Cure on Sunday morning.  Unfortunately I had to miss church for the race, but it was still incredible to see such an outpouring of support for such a worthy cause.  That, and I got in an awesome morning workout!  The other big up for the weekend was WordCamp Portland – the annual WordPress conference for the region (and the third I’ve been able to attend).

It was, on the other hand, also my biggest down. [Read more...]