"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet."

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200805/education-is-not-the-filling-pail-the-lighting-fire Found this article today while working on cover letter for a job application (I was NOT procrastinating for a change, just looking for the quote :) ) I thought of the quote when I suddenly felt more inspired to apply for a particular job. I realize this article actually was proving to me what I have been struggling with in applying to jobs - there hasn't really be a "fire" so to speak. I've been filling each cover letter with lists of qualifications and skills, but not really having the passion behind it. I finally figured out I need to be truly excited about the position, and very few have done that for me recently. There are the positions I like, but don't feel qualified for, and those I felt qualified for, but not truly excited about, then those that I was excited about and passionate about, but I missed deadlines, or didn't "feel" like applying to (which I sometimes think is God trying to protect me from places I don't need to be, to push me in the right direction)...then again it could just be laziness. But today I found a position that for once had me feeling excited, feeling driven to put more heart into my "letter of interest". I think putting it that way made it seem better too, and got me thinking - What is it that interests me? Why do I want THIS position? What can I bring to the table, yes, but also will I be a valuable employee, or just another body there to do the work? Just being married, and having a husband who makes a generous enough salary is a blessing and a luxury right now. I have the opportunity to be somewhat selective in this job search, to find something that is both meaningful, but also going to help pay the bills/has good benefits. (Downside of his job being a very young company... they may not be able to carry me on health insurance,etc for too long). I am trying my best to be patient, to use this time in between to learn about myself, to teach myself to cook even better (which I am, much to my impressed husband's surprise), and figure out what I want to do with my life (at least in the next few years). I actually learn a lot about myself through this process of applying for jobs - and with each application, cover letter, or adjustment to my resume, realize how much I do have to offer, but sometimes I am missing the confidence that I CAN actually do jobs, which I might have some reservation about. I recently read an article about women being less likely to apply for jobs, unless they meet all of the requirements. I am trying to push myself to step out of my comfort zone and apply for jobs which I may not meet ALL requirements, but which I still may be highly qualified for or am genuinely interested and motivated in, and willing to learn more about or work towards meeting the requirements. I also want to share the reflection I wrote, upon remembering this quote today: " 'Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire'. This is the quote I used on my college essay. I enjoy learning about people and learning from them. There is no better place to learn/teach than with the future generation. My experiences have given me the tools and knoweledge to serve those who are sturggling and try to meet people where they are at. I have learned that the best way to help/teach is to LISTEN, then offer feedback or education if needed. I am seeking a position where patience, compassion and creativity are valued, along with hard work and strong communication. I believe I can offer these qualities in this position...." I want a job where I am helping others, hearing their stories, sharing the burden and helping them realize their passions, interests, etc and use them for the betterment of society. Whether this is in an educational setting, community setting, or therapist office. I want to utilize my creativity and kindness to help build up others, and build up a better world. I want a job that I can do with a good amount of ease/independence, but also that challenges me and utilizes a supervisor/team approach. Maybe I am seeking too much, maybe my expectations are high, but I know there are jobs like this out there, as I have been in a few good ones in the past. I pray I can overcome any blocks- physical or mentally, and work towards moving forward in my own life, while helping others do the same. also, this http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/19982.Frederick_Buechner