Remember this entry: “Convictions” from 2007 March? Who’s the fool indeed? Indeed, in the last 1.5 years, the project I had been working 3 yrs to get approved…well, got approved. And since then, I’ve been toiling away—on weekends, into the weeknights—to get the work done to meet the deadlines which we’ve set (although seriously, what did I have to say in the deadline/timelines).

What was the alternative? Especially in this economy, does one such as myself say “no more!” I would surely have been let go, replaced by someone who would get the job done. What would you do? Does being a Christian change your answer?

Looking westward on 35th St at Madison Ave in 1911
New York Public Library Collection | Flickr Commons

I know now that I know very little, if at all. What years and years of education I have had, what degrees I have listed, what papers I have scrawled, what tests I have finished (or not finished), what objects I have handled and learned, and what images my eyes have seen: all means nothing.

As one works and works and works, sacrificing hours and minutes and even days of quality time spent with family and friends because the work requires it—deadlines have been set (often without your input and sometimes even over your objections), money has been budgeted, etc.—there is some understanding that you will be recognized at least (if not rewarded) for such dedication, for such sacrifices. Right?

As I “grow” in life, I am learning that there is no such thing. It is a lesson, I suppose, I’ve learned before and constantly must be taught again and again and again. At what point, I wonder, will I learn? At what point will I accept that there is no mutually beneficial relationship in employer and employee? As a lawyer, I suppose, I should know that the very existence of a corporation is to shield itself from legal responsibilities: and perhaps also to moral, ethical and humane considerations, as well.

ACE (Adult Christian Education) is a ministry of Grace Redeemer Church aimed at equipping our people to participate in Spirit-empowered, Gospel-driven transformation of hearts, relationships & culture. Please join us each Sunday at 10AM for either Bible Basics 201 or Spiritual Formation 201.
Grace Redeemer Church website | retrieved October 3, 2009 | emphasis added

It has become increasingly important that those two highlighted elements are first and foremost in any “program” for me, for Simone and for Isabelle, in this life and for eternity. The focus on the Gospel driven nature and transformative power of the Holy Spirit should be the nature of every Christian church, and the requirement of teaching that to its congregants should be the paramount concern of any church leader.