I'm not lucky, I'm blessed.
Back in January I had a post where I mentioned that I wasn't looking for a job, I was looking for an opportunity to step up and be the man God created me to be. I wanted a chance to do those "destiny" things that were in my heart to do. I didn't just want to work for a paycheck; I wanted to be in a place where I could exercise my gifts and talents and skills. If you want, you can read that complete post here.
I think that desire is in all of us. We want to be wanted and appreciated for who we are, not just for what we do. But, sadly, not all of us ever really get to experience that. I don't think I was experiencing that. But then God showed up and things changed.
It's been quite a journey over the last several months (I'll tell you about it sometime) but I can honestly say I've found the place I'm supposed to be…at least for now. Since last Monday (and for the foreseeable future) I've been the new director at Taconic Retreat and Conference Center in (upstate) Milan, NY.
This is so different that anything I would've picked for myself. I wasn't looking for a camp job. And I certainly wasn't looking for a job in New York.
From day one I've been completely overwhelmed…and loving every minute of it. My first day I dealt with (and made decisions on) everything from broken down appliances to bed bugs. But I found that I had the answers. I had staff issues. But I found that the solution was already inside me ready to come out. I've had organizational problems but likewise found answers.
Some folks are natural born athletes. I'm a natural born camp guy. "Natural born" in that God has put these things in me since before I was born; when I was knit together in my mother's womb. God had a plan then for what He wanted me to be doing now. And I'm blessed to have found it.
You are a camp guy!!!! So happy for you!
Mike,
I am glad you are in the place where you can use your gifts. Your story sounds very similar to mine. I have had a blast these last 18 months. I am tired but very fulfilled and know that i am doing what God created me to do. Thanks for sharing and know that I am praying for you in your time of transition. Always available if you need to talk with another camp guy. Change is great.
What a great post. Can’t wait to hear more.
Excited to hear about this chapter of your journey. Hey – we’re neighbors now, well, as much as NY and PA are.
Like any good story after the first chapter, I am excited to see what unfolds.
so excited for you all! congrats! can’t wait to hear more about what God does!
now you can pray for me that God will place me where it is that He needs me to be… i know change is coming soon.
it’s so good to see Him come through in your lives…. gives me more strength, hope, and faith that He will come through in mine too! 😉
Congratulations! It is nice to land where the Lord wants you. It’s natural like breathing. Blessings for the next step in your journey.