The question, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”, is a pretty good starter for a conversation with a kid. Most have an instant answer that’s easy to build upon: “A fireman!”, “An astronaut!”, “A doctor!” [I’ve yet to hear, “A Pastor!”]

I’ve also discovered that the response-time in answering this question usually goes down as age increases. In other words, older kids (even the adult variety) have a much harder time with the question. No problem understanding that, though – committing to a singular career through retirement is down-right overwhelming!

Thankfully, there’s good news from the following scripture:

1Pe 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. [NIV]

In effect, what this verse says is: Fulfillment isn’t a matter of giftings (or occupations, or careers), but a matter of serving others! Career interests, like gifts, are important, but only to the point of making another person’s life better. It’s when those gifts are lovingly “administered” that the personal satisfaction really kicks in. Great gifts, not served, result in emptiness and meaninglessness. Just one gift, given with lots of love, is life! [The Little Drummer Boy comes to mind.]

All said, don’t be afraid of committing to a job or a career (or the use of a gift), fearing it may be at the expense of another opportunity. It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing, but how you’re doing it. The joy is in the “administering (God’s grace in it various forms)”! That, and… if God is gifting, then He probably has an opportunity in mind to use that gift.

Mt 10:39 “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.