On an Assignment from God
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs
I was recently watching an interview with an NCAA football coach as he shared about his battle with cancer.
The interview went something like this …
Reporter: “Coach, I am sure this has been a struggle for you. During the time you were in chemotherapy, you spent very little time with your team. Did you think that perhaps you would not coach again?”
Coach: “Not even close! In my case, it looks like I will be able to beat this cancer, but that is really not up to me. What I would like everyone to know is that coaching these kids is what I was put on this earth to do. There is no doubt that this is my assignment from God. I never once thought about giving up what I love to do and the reason why I am here.”
The Power of Clarity
As I pondered the response from the coach to the reporter’s question, I started to think about my assignment from God. I think this is an intriguing and terrific question we should all entertain.
Why are we here on this earth?
The more we have clarity regarding our purpose, the happier and more productive we are.
Do you agree?
Teaching Opportunity
In 1991, while living in Houston, I made the drive to the Houston Community College (HCC) main campus near downtown. I had an appointment with the Chair of the Business Department, and I still remember this short meeting.
I mentioned to her that I was interested in teaching a course, and she could see I had a passion for this opportunity.
However, I had to clear one big obstacle … At this time, I did not have a graduate degree, and it was a requirement. She explained that once I had earned the degree, she would hire me immediately.
I signed up right away for a master’s program at the University of St. Thomas in H-Town, and I went three nights a week to complete the degree in 18-months. This was back in the day of in-person instruction, which meant I had many long days.
Once I earned the MBA, I contacted the Chair at HCC, and she assigned me to teach Principles of Marketing for the fall semester.
I share this story with you because this career opportunity was my assignment from God.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked for major companies, officiated collegiate basketball, and launched an IT business … but I have never stopped being an educator.
Why? As I reflect on what the NCAA coach mentioned, this is what I was meant to do.
What I like most about teaching is sharing knowledge. There is value in participating in a community where people are trying to help each other, which is what takes place in an educational environment.
I often share with others that when the Lord calls me home, I will likely only be a week or less from a classroom.
I was blessed to find my true passion at a young age, and I’ve never let it go.
See you next week, my friends!
Closing Quotes
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." – Confucius
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it." – Howard Thurman
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: What is your assignment on this earth?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.