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Realization about Service

I have been praying throughout this week about where/who/what I should do after school.  Today I realized that many of the variables that I have been evaluating have to do with others opinions.  They relate to how others will respond when I tell them I am going to do "x".  If I tell folks I am going to travel around the country working on farms, they will respond with the impression that I am some really cool, earthy, adventuresome guy.  If I tell them I am going to work from some Fortune 500 company that they know about, then they will be impressed at my skill, ability, ambition, etc.  If I tell people that I do not really have a plan but I know everything will turn out just fine, then I come across as either lazy or super chill and carefree.  I evaluate the options that I on the basis of how others will react.

 Today I remembered how this is a choice that effects only a portion of my life and will help guide my future through good and bad experiences.  This decision is about where I will be able to grow as an Engineer, grow as a servant of co-workers, grow as a leader, and most importantly Love and care for everyone that I interact with. Work is an act of service and not a competition of status!  Therefore I feel 100% peace about returning to my Co-op company as a full time employee.  I know the good and bad aspects about this company but moreover I I see it as a place that can utilize my skills.

 Long Short: The purpose of work is to serve, right now Sto Corp is the place that the Lord has put on my heart to serve!

 All is well in the embrace of my Father.
Paul Shackelford
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