It’s such a commonly asked question, and one that could be perceived as self-defining. What you do for a living seems to be the criteria upon which people may base your status in life. We all do it. If someone says they are a lawyer or an actuary, you immediately think they are going to be wealthy! If someone says they live in a so-called high income area or a so-called low income area, it’s easy to judge (or mis-judge) their social standing by the area they call home. It’s actually a very false way of judging a person’s worth (finances or character). You can have someone who lives in a mansion, who also lives with sleepless nights their mountain of debt is so high. On the other side of the coin, you can have someone live frugally in a tiny home yet with a great deal of peace because they owe nothing to anyone. You can have someone who is the director of the company who knows he is in deep financial trouble because he has to maintain a lifestyle he can’t afford. You can have a street sweeper who lives within his means and is at peace with himself and the world.
You never know what is going on in people’s homes or their hearts.
As I have got older, I have realised that to own more or to earn more or to live in a high echelon of social standing is not necessarily better.
It brings with it pressure.
You feel in a position of having to perform.
There are ongoing expectations of needing to maintain this monstrous life style.
I can imagine that it’s not easy.
I love the idea of living with less. Clearing out and minimizing is an aim that Mike and I have. Down-sizing – down-scaling is definitely something that comes as you arrive in your 50s. The work is pretty much done. We’ve gathered possessions, raised the children, educated them and see them leave home. We don’t need so much stuff.
What I do for a living and where I live does not define me.
I lived as a radio presenter for 10 years and while the status seemed impressive, I knew my heart. I lived with the words of Jesus echoing in my mind and soul.
Luke 12:48
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Now that I no longer am on the radio, nothing has changed.
It goes for what I do for a living, where I live, resources within my power, my talents and gifts I have been given, money I earn. Everything.
Live life circumspectly.
What do I do for a living? These days I spend a lot of time ‘working online’. If I have to label myself it will be a recruitment administrator for a UK based teacher recruitment company. That’s what I do for a living.
I have to admit that I love it! Who knew that I could love a job as much as I loved my radio work? Only God could do that.
Yes, these are the days.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip
Helga xx 🙂