By Nancy Virden (c)2023

Each person experiences doubts about personal purpose, worth, direction, and effectiveness. I didn’t use to think these types of thoughts bothered successful folks, those who seem to have all four issues under control. Why would people with enjoyable careers question their purpose and value?

It is a matter of degrees, I guess. If one has floated through life seemingly never having landed on a so-called true calling, it makes sense doubts would arise. Why am I here? What do I have to offer? A healthy perspective sees the bigger picture. Each person is doing their part to help the world to function.

I am proud of the men and women who work in sanitation. Our society does not show them the respect they deserve. Somehow, if it is too dirty for us to do, it is unwanted work. However, without sanitation helpers, we would not have the society we know. Streets would be overrun with garbage and rats and disease. Hospitals would be germ factories. We would be 100% responsible for cleaning up after ourselves everywhere we went. We take the privileges afforded us by sanitation workers for granted.

Doubts are a theme of how we see ourselves sometimes too. Regardless of our paychecks and titles, we can wonder if we are doing anything worthwhile. So if that is you, pause. Consider what your sphere would be like if you were not in it. Do you help people in any way? Do you create joy or fun for customers, family members, or neighbors? Do you answer questions, work the job you have been given, pray for others, or smile? It does not matter what you do, it is simply a matter of doing it. Obvious exceptions would include causing harm to others or to yourself.

Hold your head high! Your work matters to many. Warehouse workers- where would we be without you? Cooks, teachers, fishers, military leaders, good followers, first responders, data entry, cabinet-makers, truckers, uber drivers… the list is endless. If you are doing what you can, in the situation you are in, you are part of the system of helping and making a difference.

You are needed. You are loved by God.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Colossians 3:23

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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