Thoughts on a new job, and hopefully an understandable parallel.

For any reader(s) who don't know, I've recently changed jobs.  I am still doing IT work, but in a totally different environment and industry.  I accepted a position with Beacon Tire in Russellville, AR for a job title that is yet unknown but for the purposes of this post it will be called "The IT Guy."  It had been 6 years since I changed jobs and I'd begun to think that it wasn't possible.  I had begun to believe that I was too set in my ways, unable to learn something new.  I will admit to a lot of anxiety regarding this new job in the weeks prior to starting. 

I have made a few observations about the changes this new job has brought about in me, and I believe I have found a good parallel.  The closest analogy that I've been able to come up with is that changing jobs is roughly equivalent to coming to know Christ.  At first it seems a bit unreal.  Every day is so different than all your previous days have ever been.  You have a new purpose, a new "job" to do.  You've switched sides, now you work for someone else.  You look back on your previous life, and wonder "Was that really me?" or "Is this really me?"  Your entire perception of yourself has been turned on its head. 

In the case of becoming a Christian, you have just been faced with the reality that God loves you, and wants to help you so that you can help others.  In the case of starting a new job, you now rely on a totally different organization, or group of people, for the monetary well being of yourself and your family.  Both are very significant changes!  The first week that I spent at Beacon, I found myself looking back at my old job a lot.  "Is this really a better life?"  "Is this really a better job?"  This shell shock I believe is normal with any large life changing event.  In this case it didn't take long to find purpose and fulfillment in my new job.  In the case of becoming a Christian, it may depend on your life circumstances.  In either case, change is inevitable, it must happen for you to be successful.  You may have to change a lot, or maybe just a little.  If I don't learn this job and this industry, I will not be successful.  Luckily I am surrounded by good people who know what I need to learn.  If you've just become a Christian you too must surround yourself with people who know Christ, so that they can help you to know Him better.  Believe me the Change is worth it.