Dealing with career highs and lows
Today, I don’t have any articles or books to write. No international—or even the monthly meeting of the Corn Borer Grange—speaking engagements. I forced myself to at least get out of bed at 6:15 am after listening to heart-breaking news on the clock radio. So, I’m up, I’m dressed (if you consider gyms shorts and T-shirt “dressed”), but no reason to take a shower as a noon meeting was cancelled.
I’m dutifully sitting at my computer in my office answering email, but mostly mindlessly surfing the ‘net for something to stimulate a Hope & Humor post. I think I’m simply overwhelmed at all the ways it seems culture is coming apart at the seams, so I don’t feel very hopeful or humorous right now. (And, I’m out of dark chocolate!)
I’m trying to convince myself that this is all part of the by-polar rhythm of being a writer and speaker—or most any other profession. For every day of exhilarating writing, there’s a day of immobilizing boredom. For every exciting speaking engagement, a day where I just mutter to myself.
So, I’ll take my anti-depressants, have my time alone with God—although He seems to be taking the day off as well—and do some prep for a conference coming up in July. In just two weeks, I’ll be introduced as an “award-winning author and international speaker” with the tag line “hope and humor.” That cracks me up! But here are a few Bible verses that keep me from truly cracking up and doing the work I feel is a call from God:
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10).
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him (1 Timothy 1:12).
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
Christ, who is the head of his body, the church . . . makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:15b-16).
Gotta believe that the work is bigger than my little efforts and longer than my day-to-day ups and downs.
And, who knows, maybe this rant will eventually turn into a “Hope & Humor” post. Maybe.
How do you deal with your career’s highs and lows? Please reply below. Thanks!
Copyright © 2013 James N. Watkins
Related post
• My ‘real’ job (Clue: it’s not writing and speaking)
• Soaring with eagles, walking with emus (Audio and in-print keynote talk on dealing with career highs and lows)
