The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Employment (01/26/12)
I counted the months, the days, the hours and finally – the minutes until my retirement date. I had faithfully served my company for thirty years and was now ready to begin the next chapter of my life.

I had always loved writing stories and prepared for a career as a writer by writing small articles for local papers and self- publishing two novels; one receiving an honorable mention the other – two five star ratings. I had laid the groundwork and believed I was ready for my new life’s adventure.

You see, I never liked office work and only succumbed to it in order to pay my bills. When I was young I dreamed of being a Commercial Artist, but after studying for two years and then pounding the pavement in New York City looking for work, I realized I would never make it in that field. I needed to earn a living so into the 9 to 5 office work world I went, tail between my legs.

Thirty-five years later I promised myself I would make my mark as a writer. Somewhere in between the Artist years and the Office Work years I discovered I could write. I took a three year course in the subject and found my calling as a Christian Fiction Writer and things were going well for the first time in a long time.

I also secured some teaching positions as a Creative Writing Instructor in local community centers. Things were going great – I had reached my dream – finally!

I love mentoring my mostly ‘senior’ students. When I see the fruits of my labor paying off with a work being published or a goal being reached by one of my students, I am grateful that I had, in a small way, planted that seed.
If you would have asked me during my Secretarial years what employment was I surely would have said, it’s a way to pay the bills, but now employment means something totally different – it means a way to give back to my community and fulfill my God-given purpose in life.

My prayer for you is that you too will find that which God has called you to and thus, know the fulfillment of a life that has purpose and meaning.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 638 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/03/12
Beautiful and wonderful recipe for a happy life. Listening to your heart, as the urgent cries call to thee. Who is that calling? The Lord - He placed the hunger in your heart, and you answered the call.

Nicely done. Continue to write in "His name."

God Bless you~
Verna Mull
02/03/12
This was a real picture of real maturity. So glad that it all folded together for you.
Helen Carr
02/04/12
A lovely story. One's definition of 'employment' really does depend on one's point of view, doesn't it. Some love it, some hate it - but overall we find our truest form of employment in God's kingdom. Well done.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/08/12
This is quite inspirational. I like how you showed how you had to sacrifice for a bit but never stopped dreaming. I liked the last full paragraph a lot and think it would have been a stronger ending then the sentence about wishing the reader fulfills her dreams. It's a nitpicky thing, and I'm sure you really do hope that everyone finds their gifts from God, but because you don't know everyone who may read this it feels a little fake to me. It doesn't take away the impact of your piece though and it is a personal preference that I'm sure not everyone agrees with. I think you covered the topic in a fresh and creative way.
Dimple Suit
02/08/12
Oh the heart fills with pleasure and gratitude at your lovely story reminding us all to heed the call, using the talents He has given us to find true joy! Thank You and may God abundantly bless you.