Thursday, February 04, 2010

Deep Gladness

I was feeling frustrated and tired today. I felt like giving up and wondered if I really was where I was supposed to be. Then I read this. "The place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet"... That's where I am! I lose track of time each morning and prefer being at my work even while I'm really sick. And I do meet aching needs... sometimes it's a hug to a little girl, or a smile at a student who feels alone, or opening and engaging minds that will shape the future of this country and region. Even if it isn't big, it is my "deep gladness".


"If you're not sure what to do next, consider Frederick Buechner's advice. He says to search for your vocation at "the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." You know you've found your own deep gladness when you lose track of time when you're engaged in your work. You know you've found work that meets the needs of an aching world when you discover ways that your work can bring comfort, help or healing to others."

On the Death of Dreams

Jenny Schroedel

3 comments:

Kea said...

Thanks for sharing this, Colleen!

Jeannette Lewis said...

Is this what you were talking about on chat the other day?
That's so well put. :)

Ed Hockenberry said...

I love that phrase. Thank you for sharing that quote. And your follow-up was even better, "sometimes it's a hug to a little girl, or a smile at a student who feels alone, or opening and engaging minds that will shape the future of this country and region. Even if it isn't big, it is my "deep gladness." I think it is big and important work.