In the spring of 2011, I participated in a group program called LifeKeys, facilitated by Rebekah Carpenter and Jared Price. About 12 of us met once a week in the Old Manse at Carrollton Presbyterian Church. We formed a tightly knit group based on trust and the mutual desire to investigate ourselves.
I had long hoped for a way to know what God has planned for me and expects of me. (I know I’m not the only who feels that way.) I wanted to know not only what to do, but how and when to do it. Even though I was doing well, I knew I could do better; I was missing something.
At times, I thought maybe I tried too hard, prayed too fervently, yearned too selfishly. Other times, I was sure I didn’t do enough, was too lazy, perhaps undeserving. Whatever else I was doing, I was also growing ever more anxious about what felt like a long period of stagnation. And, I was lonely and didn’t know what to do to solve that dilemma since I was new to Carrollton. I was confused about the role I play in other people’s lives. Also, I lacked confidence in myself, and I felt ineffective and inadequate in regards to my job and career.
So, the offer to enroll in LifeKeys – a course with the tag line, ‘Discover Yourself,’ – seemed a providential opportunity. However, I couldn’t have predicted – or even hoped for – the affirmative influence of the course and its positive and lasting effects.
The friends I made through LifeKeys, the people to whom I now feel bonded, were part of God’s answer to my prayers to find my path, to hear a calling and respond. I met people who affirm my strengths and shore up my weaknesses. I’m rarely lonely any more, and if I am, there’s someone to call.
I was empowered in my career by the realization, through LifeKeys, that the skills and passions I have are gifts from God. He wants me to use them; He made me good at what I do. My career puts me in the role of support rather than management or leadership. I used to think my contributions in the workplace were trivial, but I learned to value what I do. Those in leadership and management roles depend on me to aid them in their success. I did not appreciate that desire to serve in myself before LifeKeys.
