Yesterday I had an interesting conversation with one of our former staff. Although he had resigned, he was still on board for selected but scattered tasks that we asked him to come on board. So far so good.
The discussion began about our present work condition and I thought he was keen to know how things work within the organisation. However, sooner than later he stopped me and said, I came to basically share with you my difficulties! I didn't see that coming. Nonetheless I listened to him and very soon realised he was looking for some challenging role and responsibility. He wasn't asking. He wasn't demanding. He was placing himself before me and asking me to challenge him with a task. He wanted that thrill of being felt useful and capable. He wished to pour out his energies into something that others had failed at or feared handling or proved incapable of completing.
Later in the night I discussed what I had in mind for this particular individual with the others in my organisation core team. They were more than excited about how perfect a fit it was: the man, given his capacity and experience, and the task/role I proposed.
I guess it is not always about money or fame. At times and more than we like to think of it, a job is not merely a monetary source - it is a vital source of meaning and fulfilment in one's life. And I hope and pray that more and more of us priests and religious see our life and service as meaningful and fulfilling rather than anything else.
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