Naming influences for my career choice is difficult for me because I consider myself to berelatively self-taught and from books and I do not remember any mentor figures who I was ever to communicate my interest. I can list some figures who were important in making me who I am today.
My younger brothers Daniel, Nicholas, and Jonathan: my brothers were important on my journey because they helped teach me to be a leader. I imagine myself as standing between my parents and my younger brothers and working to inspire my brothers to face the demands of life. I believe they gave me a greater sense of purpose and inspired me to become more of a leader, which gave me confidence to go into counseling. I do not think I will ever be able to have God's plan for me completely figured out but the experience may be preparing me to continue to lead and inspire.
Keeping with family, I will also mention my mother. She teaches at my county's primary school and has created opportunities for me to volunteer. She also encouraged me to continue into graduate school and to pursue my individual interests. Also, I think the roles we played in our family system have also influenced me. She tended to worry and see things as broken whereas I tended to be the one that smoothed things over and encouraged. She thought of me and my brothers were especially intelligent and could accomplish something if we found interests. I believe God has blessed our family with a blessing that is meant to be shared throughout the Earth and I hope to continue the legacy.
This may be cheating a little, but I do want to give credit to Jesus and his story as an inspiration for my career path. Jesus' greatest work was to bring His beloved but imperfect and frustrating people into communion with Him through His grace. This example shows me the importance of relationships and good graces, and has encouraged me to become knowledgeable in concern to these areas. I hope to serve God by being able to reach out as Jesus did to people who did not consider themselves canidates for grace.
Michael, I don't think it's cheating at all to include Jesus. I couldn't agree more that my faith and walk with Jesus Christ entirely sways my life's direction, compassion for people, and belief that there are answers about wholeness and health in this broken world. I appreciated the fact that you mentioned that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Michael. I enjoy hearing you talk about your brothers. You wrote that being a leader to them has given you confidence to enter into counseling. We certainly need courage to enter into our profession (I almost typed "bro"fession), and I am glad that you found that courage through leading them.
ReplyDeleteMichael - I am inspired by your story and your optimism about life. I hope you will continue to fulfill your intention and become His tool to reach out to this lost world.
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