Seeing God in your Word

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Hi All,

In case you didn't know, I am a recent graduate (Whew!). At the same time I have also been interning as an Engineer for the past 3.5 years. Well, here is my situation:

I have been able to post a lot, and search a lot, because I am only an intern and light work is placed on me (that means sometimes I have a lot of work, but most times it is just waiting). I feel I have been very blessed to have discovered this site, and also have the freedom to strengthen my faith by conversing with all of you.

Just today, as I am a grad, I signed a contract with my current employer to start FULL time regular employment on Monday. This is good, because the way the market is right now I am very lucky to have this job. However, engineers are notorious for overworking and long houred days. What this means to me is that I will no longer be able to keep up with you guys as often as I would like. It also is producing a fear in me that I will fall off the faith-learning curve, because I will need to focus on my work tasks more, which ultimately means focusing on God less :(

Please, please pray that somehow I can see God in my work! That way while I focus on my work, I will still be focusing on God. I know that He has lead me down this path (because there have been events that have put me where I am that are unmistakably works of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior). Unfortunately, recently within the past couple of months, as I have come to know Jesus more closely, I have felt a yearning to do His work. So, I know Jesus put me where I am, and he has also given me this conviction to do His work. But I just am not seeing how the two connect! It is making me feel like my 4 years of University education was a waste, and I am very unenthusiastic about Engineering work. Just a year ago I was very exited about engineering, and I still enjoy the work (like I enjoy the movies). But it isn't a soul (deep down) enjoyment that can only be achieved by doing the work of Christ. I hope you can see my predicament. If only I was able to see how my career could be turned into doing the works of Christ, with an engineering education.

Please post any advice, and please pray!

MaryLu,

While you are at that Padre Pio convention could you add my fiancé’s family and mine to your prayer list. In particular, for the complete conversion (or reversion as they are all baptized Catholics) of her parents and sister and my brother. Thank you so much!

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), June 14, 2002

Answers

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-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), June 14, 2002.

Should be "Seeing God in your WorK"

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), June 14, 2002.

Jake,

Congratulations on getting a job. I will miss you on this forum. I appreciate your postings.

As far as your education being a waste of time, it certainly is not and now you are going to get to put it to use. If God wants you elsewhere, he will let you know that. He won't give up on you and He has a way of pushing us in the right direction.

Try out the job. See how you feel about it. If, after a while, you feel this is not what you want to do, get some guidance from someone you trust. Perhaps there is another field you are meant to be in.

Maybe you can go to a Spiritual Director who can guide you on the journey. You can find ways to serve God at the workplace. You'll see opportunities for that.

God knows that we have to work for a living. If you sincerely want to serve Him, the opportunities will come for you to do that and God will work all the rest out, once you say 'Yes.'

Good luck, Jake. Stop by when you can. MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 14, 2002.


Jake, my husband is an engineer, too. (Manufacturing engineer in a large helicopter factory) Sometimes you can witness to Jesus by your way of living and acting among your fellow employees. Try not to use foul language as so many people do. Perhaps post a small holy picture at your desk. Be honest in your work - be on time for work, don't gab on the phone all day. When people talk about the latest trashy show on TV, gracefully bow out of it. Don't be "in your face" about it, but as time goes on, people will see you as a true Christian for what you do and don't do.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), June 14, 2002.

Also forgot to mention, have a supply of apologetics pamphlets on hand, perhaps those from Catholic Answers in San Diego, just in case anyone happens to question you on elements of your faith. Don't go passing them out freely (or you might get in trouble), but have them ready if and when the proper time should arrive.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), June 14, 2002.


"But it isn't a soul (deep down) enjoyment that can only be achieved by doing the work of Christ."

This sort of questions intrest me greatly Jake and Id be interested in hearing how others on this forum have lived their lives doing what we are called - the work of Christ. I would think that this question must cause much heartache for those with deep faith, I dont know does devoting yourself more fully to God through some sort of vocation necesarily bring you closer to God? Can we just do the work of Christ by treating others with respect and dignity and providing a good Catholic example or do we need to be more pro active and bear witness in some other sort of way- activily trying to convert? Soul enjoyment= giving and recieving love? Anyway Im a teacher so I should be alright!Though I sometimes (not for very long I must say) look at my goals and wonder "what seems outstanding to men is abhorrent in the sight of God" Hmmm but a new car would be so nice...

-- KG (csisherwood@hotmail.com), June 14, 2002.


ps congratulations!

-- KG (csisherwood@hotmail.com), June 14, 2002.

Dear KG,

Mother Teresa said, "We don't have to do great things for God, but litle things with great love."

God gave each of us different gifts, but he gave all of us gifts that are unique to each individual. God wants us to use those gifts to bring glory to Him. Discover what your gifts are and use those gifts to serve him and bring glory to him.

We are all called to do different things for God - doesn't have to be big things - like the Knights of Columbus or running the church bazaar...little things done with great love...remember never compare what you do with what someone else is doing - Some people are called to serve in big ways and others little ways...

God Bless MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 15, 2002.


MaryLu congrats on the new job. You wrote in your post to Please, Please pray that somehow I can see God in my work. I will pray that prayer for you. I will also pray that the people that you come into contact with will be able to see Christ in you. That you will let you light so shine before them that they will see your good works and God is glorified. MaryLu you have the Holy Spirit in you so where ever you Go He is with you. Remember, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His pupose". MaryLu I know you love God and since you are His child He has you their for a reason. Bring Him Glory, be his witness.

God bless you MaryLu.

KevinL.

-- Kevin (k4laps@attbi.com), June 15, 2002.


Dear Kevin,

Thank you for congratulating me, but I do not have a new job...Jake does! :)

BTW, Jake, I said a special prayer for you yesterday while at the Padre Pio Shrine. ML

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 17, 2002.



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