Career Choices

Second Sunday of Lent; Luke 9:28-36

Back in the day, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I entered college as a freshman. I had decided that I wanted to be a teacher. And being a History teacher was my preference. However, my initial experience with college life was less than fulfilling for reasons I shall not enumerate at this time. I started to hear lots of voices say that getting a teaching degree was a dead end because of the glut of teachers at the time.

So, I pivoted and started down a psychology path. I soon realized I far too many issues of my own to sort out and that was not going to be a good direction for me. After that, I looked into the priesthood, and that was a hard “no.” I wanted to be a “daddy”, not a “father.”

That was a frustrating time in my life. I looked at many different career paths, took several self-assessment tests, and sought the counsel of several wise and learned people. In the end, I sorta fell into my career. Clearly God was leading me all the time, but in my youthful arrogance, I was oblivious to it.

Part of my frustration then, and throughout my life, has been a realization that I am quite capable of doing many different kinds of things. Some people knew they wanted to be a dentist since childhood. Some knew accounting was their chosen path. And some heard the call of God at a young age to ordained ministry. Not me. My entire life has been a buffet menu of choices and opportunities. More than once, I cried out to God, “Just TELL me what to do!”

There is a general theme in this weekend’s readings of the importance of doing what God would have us do. Whether it was Abraham, Paul, or the disciples, each had options. And each, in the end, chose to do what God asked them to do. I can read the Bible from cover to cover, and I will find that the story of our faith is seeking God’s direction, avoiding God’s direction and finally acceding to God’s direction. And when the great people of the Bible follow the course God has laid for them, they accomplish great things.

I am fortunate, because I have the scriptures to go to and learn from. Therein is my map and guideposts. In the Book of Micah, “God has shown me what is good and what the Lord requires of me: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with my God.” [Mi 6:8] The Beatitudes lays out clear and direct guidelines for how to treat others. And, of course in Jesus’ own words, "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.'” [Mt 22: 37-39]

In the end, it really did not matter what career choices I made because God used me to do good things in each instance. I have a beautiful marriage; I have great kids and grandkids. My business helped care for God’s creation and provide jobs for many people. I have been a part of good causes and continue to volunteer as best as I am able. Not too shabby for a kid who couldn’t decide what to do with his life. (Although I still think I would have made a really great history teacher.)

As I look around and see others, both younger and older, trying to discern what to do with their life, I can relate to their struggle and offer encouragement and hope. God is leading us all whether or not we are aware. And, as St. Francis of Assisi said, “I have done what is mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours.”

Every Day.

© 2025 by Timothy J. Doppel

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