I heard a story Thursday while at the Faith and Work seminar in Denver. I didn’t catch all the details because I have a hearing deficit and even with hearing aids, the sound in the building wasn’t all that clear for me. But here’s what I picked up:

A guy had the same job in the same place for 43 years. When asked if he was passionate about his work, he replied, “I drove a Pepsi delivery truck! No, I wasn’t passionate about that, but the job provided well for me and my family.

Contrary to some current wisdom in the U.S. that people should only work at what they are passionate about, this is an ideal that’s not always possible. Some work needs to be done, and somebody needs to do it. Moreover, if this guy was a believer, and I presume he was because of the context in which the story was told, he had opportunity during those 43 years to serve his clients and co-workers in the name and spirit of Jesus. 

Some people are blessed to be able to find work that suits them and about which they are passionate. Bill Gates comes to mind! But most of us just get to be where we are, doing what we’re doing. I love what people like Bill Gates, his predecessors, and others like him built. It makes possible what I’m doing right now (writing this blog!). But I also admire the faithfulness of a guy who provides for his family by driving a Pepsi truck for 43 years. I know people whose stories I won’t tell here who refuse to work because they haven’t found “the right fit.” 

And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there…Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side. (1 Corinthians 7.17, 24, MSG)