Up or Down?

Recently, a friend had an epiphany of sorts. It's a simple idea, really, but one we as a society fail to grasp in our day-to-day lives. He spoke about the choice we have to make about how we view each day-- do we look up, focusing on what is good, hopeful and worthwhile, or do we look down, maintaining a perspective of all that is wrong in our individual world while grasping at things that don't matter in the long run?

Both this friend and I are going through seasons of change and are both unhappy with where we currently "stand" in life. We had this conversation on the phone while I was on a business trip doing a job that I find completely unfulfilling. I am not challenged and will wilt inside without challenge. So, I have a very poor attitude towards all things related to my job. In short, I'm looking down. I find myself waking up in the morning thinking only of how much I hate the way my day is about to be wasted on my miserable job.

...how much I hate, my day, my job. Everything about that is selfish. In reality, my job is incredibly helpful to many people who are overwhelmed in their current state of life transition. In reality, I have a regular paycheck in an unstable economy, I work for an organization that believes in values I solidly support, and I'm able to travel extensively on my company's dime.

Why then, does my attitude always come down to the fact that I'm bored? I don't want to be a selfish, miserable person who can't see that she's part of a really good thing. However, I strongly believe that when you do what you love, when you are fulfilled doing what you love, you then become a more positive influence on everyone around you and on the world in which you move.

I find this quote profound:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

--Howard Thurman

Howard Thurman was the dean of the chapel at both Howard University and Boston University. He was a civil rights activist and pastor who brought people together. He worked for principles he believed in and did what the loved and in so doing changed the lives of countless individuals. He came alive and he brought others with him.

I'm still trying to figure out my perspective on my life right now. I suppose the lesson I'm learning is to see that I am blessed-- I have a job, a paycheck and a chance to see many new places-- but also, I need to do something that I love, something that enlivens me and therefore emboldens others to pursue what makes them come alive.

The hard part then, is figuring out what that thing is.