I have to tell you about something today that completely flattered me. I received an email today from someone (whom will not be named) asking me to look over the mission statement, values, etc. of this job that he is applying for. The reason he asked me was because he is applying for a job at a Christian university, and he (a Catholic) wanted me (a theology major) to make sure that it was legit. and that there wasn't something no good that he couldn't see. Oh my goodness, this made my day! For the first time I feel like I have used my degree in such a practical way! Of course I have used my theological knowledge many times before, but I usually used my knowledge in Catholic settings. Today, I was able to use my knowledge for something of the world. Plus, it felt really good to actually know what I was talking about. Yeah for a college education!
Not only did this occurrence flatter me, it also got me thinking. It was so nice to have someone ask me for my "professional" opinion. Hesitantly, I am calling myself a "professional" because the majority of the world does not have the same education that I have. Therefore, compared to the rest of the world, I am a "professional" in the theological field. This is besides the point. Someone asked me for help/adivce/guidance, whatever you want to call it. It didn't bother me. It felt great! So it got me thinking. My head kept saying, "use me, use me!" Clearly, this needs an explanation. Sometimes I wish you all could just get into my head. Probably not a good idea. Anyways, I enjoyed the fact that someone asked me for my help in something that I am good at. When someone asks me to help them with arts and crafts, for example, I do not get exicted at this because I do not enjoy arts and crafts that much because I am not all that creative. However, if you ask me for help with something that I am good at, I love to help! If you have some psychological problem, I love to help (I am also a psychology major). If you need advice, I'm the girl. Why is this? Why do we like helping people, especially if we are good at it? First, this is a compliment to us. If you are asking for my help then that must mean that you see me being pretty competent in this area. Newsflash! This is words of affirmation in the making. Second, and more importantly, we were made to serve others. Since we are made in the image and likeness of God, we participate in the one divine act of God. If you all remember, Jesus came to serve. Here I am participating in that one act. Here's another cool thought: as the Church states, we find ourselves in the giving of ourselves. Therefore, when I give of myself, by way of helping someone (in this instance), then I come to undertand myself better. This proved to be the case today. So, why was I happy to help someone today? Because I was able to participate in the Trinity. Because I was being like Jesus. Because I was made to serve, and, in serving, I came to understand myself more. Once again, thank you college education!
"What is the lesson to learn from all of this?" you may ask. If I like it when people ask me for my expertise, then other people probably like it when I ask them for their expertise. What I am saying is to use people (in the good sense of the term). We are on this earth to help one another. So why aren't we helping one another? Why aren't we asking for help? Be careful about freely giving help; it may not be wanted. I guess my advice is to be open to other people's help. Open yourself up, be vulnerable, and ask for help, if needed. Most importantly, this is what really got me thinking today, there is someone in particular who we should also run to for help: Jesus. He is here and He is freely available, and yet we do not use Him as we should. Why the heck not? I can just picture Him. He is holding a sign that reads, "Free advice. Come and get it." And it just blows my mind how we do not run to the person that can help us the most. This is something to think about.
I enjoyed writing this today. I hope you enjoyed reading it.
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