Some theologians argued centuries ago that God gives each human being one lifelong work station in order to keep him or her from being lazy and unproductive. Perhaps such was the case then, but today jobs come and go. People win and lose promotions. Layoffs devastate employees’ families and communities. Government regulations and international political and monetary policies impact domestic economies. Midlife career shifts are increasingly common. So is going back to school to learn new skills and enter different professions. As a result, we should remain open to the possibility of a lifetime of occupational moves, perhaps even two or three major career changes. Flexibility and faith are critically important.

Even amidst such turbulence, however, we usually can identify our immediate stations. We might be a grandchild, friend, accountant, mentor, volunteer, or Sunday school teacher—or all at the same time. We might take off a year from school or career in order to reflect and pray for guidance or volunteer for a nonprofit agency. Such a respite can be a time for new learning and special serving. It might be particularly appropriate when the job market doesn’t match our occupational goals. God blesses us with temporary stations even when we are uncertain about the long run.

We are called to connect our shared vocation of caretaking to our own, changing stations. In doing so, we work out our faith in every area of life.

Quentin Schultze (Ph.D., University of Illinois) holds the Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair in Faith and Communication ar Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A nationally known communications expert, Schultze is the author or coauthor of several books, including High-Tech Worship?, Habits of the High-Tech Heart, Internet for Christians, Communicating for Life, and Dancing in the Dark: Youth, Popular Culture, and the Electronic Media.

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