Not sure why I'm sharing this. But here goes. Hope it inspires someone who is trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. That includes me by the way!
In 1952, Albert Schweitzer won the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts in equatorial Africa. But let share his back story. He woke up on a summer morning in 1896 and said, "While outside the birds sang I came to the conclusion that until I was thirty I could consider myself justified in devoting myself to scholarship and the arts, but after that I would devote myself directly to serving humanity."
What a fascinating perspective on his twenties! He felt justified in devoting them to scholarship and the arts. Here's my thought: what if we viewed our twenties as a decade of experimentation? That concept comes from serving a congregation that is 67% single twenty-somethings so I know how stressed out twenty-somethings can get over their career path. I think twenty-somethings feel way too much pressure to find the perfect career yesterday and advance as far up the ladder as fast as possible. Can I push back a little? What if you approached opportunities as experiments? What if you tried your hand at different things. Don't worry about your career path! Focus on your spiritual path. Build a resume of spirit-led adventures that may or may not further your career or education. But they will further the kingdom of God.
Now fast-forward eight years. Albert Schweitzer said, “One morning in the autumn of 1904, I found on my writing table in the seminary one of the green-covered magazines in which the Paris Missionary Society reported its activities. A Miss Scherdlin used to pass them on to me. Without paying much attention, I leafed through the magazine that had been put on my table the night before. As I was about to turn to my studies I noticed an article with the headline, "The Needs of the Congo Mission." Schweitzer said, "I finished my article and quietly began my work. My search was over."
Can I share some good news with those of you who haven't found your God-ordained passion or big hairy audacious goal or one God idea or life mission? Here it is: God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go. So that takes the pressure off of us. By the way, that singular thought is really the heart of Wild Goose Chase.
Part of the reason I love that story about Albert Schweitzer so much is because I discovered the parachurch ministry we came to DC to direct via a magazine ad, not unlike Schweitzer. That ad led to a phone call. A phone call led to a trip. And a trip led to a move. And that move put us in a position to pastor National Community Church.
One final thought. It is Albert Schweitzer who once observed: "The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives."
In 1952, Albert Schweitzer won the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts in equatorial Africa. But let share his back story. He woke up on a summer morning in 1896 and said, "While outside the birds sang I came to the conclusion that until I was thirty I could consider myself justified in devoting myself to scholarship and the arts, but after that I would devote myself directly to serving humanity."
What a fascinating perspective on his twenties! He felt justified in devoting them to scholarship and the arts. Here's my thought: what if we viewed our twenties as a decade of experimentation? That concept comes from serving a congregation that is 67% single twenty-somethings so I know how stressed out twenty-somethings can get over their career path. I think twenty-somethings feel way too much pressure to find the perfect career yesterday and advance as far up the ladder as fast as possible. Can I push back a little? What if you approached opportunities as experiments? What if you tried your hand at different things. Don't worry about your career path! Focus on your spiritual path. Build a resume of spirit-led adventures that may or may not further your career or education. But they will further the kingdom of God.
Now fast-forward eight years. Albert Schweitzer said, “One morning in the autumn of 1904, I found on my writing table in the seminary one of the green-covered magazines in which the Paris Missionary Society reported its activities. A Miss Scherdlin used to pass them on to me. Without paying much attention, I leafed through the magazine that had been put on my table the night before. As I was about to turn to my studies I noticed an article with the headline, "The Needs of the Congo Mission." Schweitzer said, "I finished my article and quietly began my work. My search was over."
Can I share some good news with those of you who haven't found your God-ordained passion or big hairy audacious goal or one God idea or life mission? Here it is: God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go. So that takes the pressure off of us. By the way, that singular thought is really the heart of Wild Goose Chase.
Part of the reason I love that story about Albert Schweitzer so much is because I discovered the parachurch ministry we came to DC to direct via a magazine ad, not unlike Schweitzer. That ad led to a phone call. A phone call led to a trip. And a trip led to a move. And that move put us in a position to pastor National Community Church.
One final thought. It is Albert Schweitzer who once observed: "The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives."
13 Comments:
The Tragedy of life!! Kind of lines up with your last thought about froward thinking. When leaders are dying on the inside, they rarely have enough energy to look forward at all.
Help me to be a forward-thinking leader!!
Mark, I so needed to hear, "God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go." It seems as most of my life I've asked and sought hard after Him, wanting to "know" all while forgetting that HE actually does want me to "go", it isn't one-sided. Thanks!
can't tell you how many times I've been encouraged by your thoughts and faithfulness in expressing God's purpose for us!
Hey Mark,
Not over 3 weeks ago, I sent you a facebook message regarding life, the Faith, & the desire to plant a church.
This post along with a series of conversations, etc, have really been plowing into my chest in a way of conviction I have not felt in a while.
I'm happy to inform you that I have not thrown in the towel & in early May, P1 of my plant will begin. Thank you for your words, authenticity, & insight!
Mark, thanks for sharing this this morning. A couple years ago, we read "In a pit..." during a very transitional time in my wife's and my life/ministry. Then and now, your words continue to communicate strength, encouragement, hope and LIFE. Thank you.
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Thanks for sharing that- what incredible hope we have by giving our life to God's purposes!
I attended NCC when I was in DC as a Page & another summer when I interned on the Hill. I am now getting ready to graduate from Taylor University and just recently read Wild Goose Chase and was left speechless at how many ways God tugged at my heart through your writing... I am excited to see where God leads me during this next decade and beyond, and I am very thankful for your willingness to write and share thoughts/stories. I look forward to attending NCC next time I'm in DC!
That's really, really good. I've been trying to wrap my head around a concept like this, and the Albert Schweitzer story helps. Thanks.
Mark
Just finished Wild Goose Chase. Both books have been encouraging and divine appointments for my wife and I. We just recently moved to begin a church plant in a new city. I've pulled out your books on a couple occasions when we needed some reassurance. Read them aloud to my wife in the morning before going to work. Please remember us in your prayers. We are Cornerstone Apostolic Ministries.
Take Care
Thanks Pastor Mark! Just what I needed to hear today! :) Lately, I felt so stressed out about trying to figure all out and I think God has been keep reminding me that I need to stop stressing and follow His lead. What encouragement! Thanks again!
I think I'm there right now, Mark, and God used you in a huge way.
But I'll tell you more when I move to DC!
Oh, maybe the reason you were to write this is because of people like me whom you have been influencing to Chase the Lion and/or Goose.
Mark,
Even at the age of 53 i still feel like I have not accomplished anything and still do not know what I want to be when I grow up. Your comments are encouringing. I will read your comments and follow others to get a sense of purpose and direction.
Just out of curiosity... how does the fact that the congregation is made up of 67% single twenty-somethings influence how you approach the ministry of NCC?
I appreciate and find value in this post, by the way.
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