“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12-14
After college graduation, the future was no longer a set of similar options but it was a vast unknown, filled with opportunities, challenges, failure, and hope. This past December, the Fellows had the opportunity to learn about our career paths through the vocational retreat. I looked forward to the retreat in hopes that I would receive clarity on the path ahead amidst this life change.
Dr. Bruce Lowe was our fearless leader through the retreat. First the Fellows learned about the value and purpose of work. Work is an expression of creation. God gave us the cultural mandate to, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28). We have the honor to partake in creation through cultivation. What a glorious thought! What a blessing to partake in cultivating the creation so lovingly spoken into existence by our God.
Then, Dr. Bruce discussed the results of the fellows’ Highlands Ability, EQi, and MCode with each fellow individually. I appreciated learning about the unique combination of gifts, desires, and opportunities that create my vocational path. I learned how to utilize my strengths, recognize my motivations, and mitigate my weak areas to be the best servant I can be.
The vocational retreat taught me how to think about my future, and how work fits within it. I found no quick fix or easy answer on mapping my future career. I did not create a checklist to career success. Instead, I am reminded that I am walking with Christ. His “word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). I am encouraged that living the Christian life is living in relationship with Christ, striving in the same direction, though the progress may seem slow, “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). So, I will continue taking the next right step, holding close to the Word and the promise of new life with Christ.
Praise be to God!
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10
The fellows enjoying teaching by Dr. Lowe.
About the Author
Alice Arnold is a member of the Fourth Fellows Class of 2025-2026. She is from Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a graduate of Furman University. This year, she is working for The Center for Christianity & Public Life.