convergence

I will interrupt my usual rantings and ravings about the domestic life, kids, crafts, and arts...to write a post on something else that I care about deeply: my work and my faith. More specifically, the convergence of the two. It is this convergence that first got me interested in human rights work, got me into the legal field, and landed me a job as an immigration attorney at Catholic Charities. Since starting at Catholic Charities almost 5 years ago, I have been somewhat on auto-pilot. I believe in the work, I am glad to be serving clients who otherwise would not be able to get service (or navigate the legal system themselves), help refugees and victims of domestic violence gain self-sufficiency, and help families reunite and move forward. But even so, much of my energy, thoughts, and inspiration in the last several years have been focused on family and home life...which has been an amazing and growthful calling. During these past years though, work felt like work - I continued working (part-time) because I believe in it, but the original things that got me excited about it seemed to be often overshadowed in this season. This last week, a couple unexpected incidents reminded me that there is something still very energizing to me when my faith and work converge. The reason I got into human rights and immigration work in the first place is because it felt like an area where my skills, resources, and opportunities collided with the desire to "love the least of these" and to welcome the alien, free the oppressed. In my 20s, the thought of living out my faith through the substance of my work was really exciting. It still is, when I really think about it. This past week, I talked to two clients who were brought to my attention through people at my church and another Christian organization that I've worked with in the past. I think what was exciting about it is that not only was there convergence in the SUBSTANCE of faith and work, but there was convergence in the COMMUNITIES of my faith and work. I was working together with others in my faith community to do what I do in my work community - and I was working with my work community (like consulting with my boss about possible options for these clients) to serve those in my faith community. What this feels like to me is partnership. And partnership in things that matter, things that serve others, and with people that I like and admire is....FUN. So, this morning, I am thankful for partners in the field, partners in the Christian body, and partners that have given insight and support throughout the years.