And it’s the first of many. I’m mentally exhausted.
But I’m really thankful.
I’m thankful that long before now I began recognizing there is a spirituality in doing this kind of work. And it’s not a less-than spirituality but one in which we created for. A spirituality which pushes back the fall and expands the kingdom. This is a little sliver of the gospel I’m having to remind myself of.
I’m having to put my money where my mouth is…very literally. But I’m glad. Lord knows — and probably y’all do too —how much I need the humility. Not because the job itself is humiliating. No, it’s my absolute and utter ignorance of the field I’m working in now which is humbling.
I could talk at length on most subjects theological, educational, philosophical, artistic and literary. And I could do it without making a fool of myself. But now? Geez…the 22 year old training next to me is moving far more quickly through the curriculum than me.
Have I mentioned how humbling this is?
By the way, I know this seems a little Narcissistic. Believe me. I can feel that pull. But I keep getting notes telling me how helpful all these thoughts are to people — pastors and no. So bear with me for a few days.
And thanks for all your prayers.
Echoes and Stars 
Matt:Reading your words reminded me of what Martin Luther called, "the doctrine of vocation". Gene Veith has written extensively about this and one of his books, "The Masks of God" contains the following passage:When I go into a restaurant, the waitress who brings me my meal, the cook in the back who prepared it, the delivery men, the wholesalers, the workers in the food-processing factories, the butchers, the farmers, the ranchers, and everyone else in the economic food chain are all being used by God to “give me this day my daily bread.”This is the doctrine of vocation. God works through people, in their ordinary stations of life to which He has called them, to care for His creation. In this way, He cares for everyone, Christian and non-Christian, whom He has given life.Luther puts it even more strongly: Vocations are “masks of God.” On the surface, we see an ordinary human face, our mother, the doctor, the teacher, the waitress, our pastor, but, beneath the appearances, God is ministering to us through them. God is hidden in human vocations.The other side of the coin is that God is hidden in us. When we live out our callings, as spouses, parents, children, employers, employees, citizens, and the rest, God is working through us. Even when we do not realize it, when we fulfill our callings, we too are masks of God………….Blessings on you and your family as you travel this leg of your journey.
Chris… these may have been among the best comments I have seen on this, or any blog for that matter. Hope they are an encouragement to Matt. But if not, they were for me.