I have seen certain instances in my life change so dramatically that it leaves no doubt of the hand of God reaching in like a Master Potter, reshaping, refining, and remaking my vessel into something so profoundly different that it is like new. Reborn, lead onto an unexpected path, thoughts changed, hearts softened, fresh joy for the morning. It’s in these particular moments of my life that I know God can make all things new, and I realize He uses small changes to bring it to pass.
I have been a nurse for [19] years, an RN for [15]. Although a rewarding job, it’s not an easy one. Not long after entering the field I was able to see the inherent difficulties. I would almost say they accosted me. It didn’t take long for my bitterness to grow, so unfair was the treatment nurses often received. I changed venues, fields of practice, and even jobs annually. I sought a workplace where I could be happy, but after about [10] years, maybe less, I realized they were all basically the same. Sure, some places of employment were harder than others, but overall they were the same. Hard was hard, no matter how you sliced it. The grass wasn’t really greener, not by much anyway. So I settled in a spot, staying put not just in the same job, but the same mindset. Nursing had problems. I hated that. It led to dissatisfaction in my work.
There’s a parable of sorts that I heard recently that resounded deeply within me regarding what I’m describing. It goes like this.
A man was on a walk when he came across a construction site. He asked the first gentleman, “what are you building?”
Obviously frustrated and perturbed, the worker sighed with fatigue and replied, “I’m building a wall.”
The man walked on. He came to a second worker and asked the same question. “What are you building?”
With a smile, the fella answered, “I’m building a church.”
He continued on and came to a third man. He asked again, “what are you building?”