Going back to work

Getting back into the workforce does not have to be a daunting or scary task, I told myself. Yes, I had been away from my profession for a few years, but now seemed the right time to go back, so I turned my head in that direction with cautious optimism.

To be sure, doubts came to mind, such as maybe my skills were rusty, maybe I didn’t know the current terminology, or perhaps I was out of step with the latest best practices and technology. Or maybe no one would hire me. But I kept getting the feeling that now was the time, so I started to pray about it, as I usually do when up against a problem or decision.

I began by affirming that God, divine Mind, was choreographing my life, including my career. That doesn’t mean God is aware of all the details of our lives, but what we need to know comes to light as we become conscious of God’s love for us, and all God’s offspring. In spiritual reality, I wasn’t a willful or worried mortal trying to figure out what to do, but I was the cherished daughter of God, listening for her Father-Mother God’s guidance and direction. As all creation expresses the perfect balance and harmony of God, we each have our right place and activity in this creation, and as we are trustingly open to divine Mind’s direction, we sense Mind’s guidance in very practical ways.

My reasoning continued that there was nothing random or risky about trusting God to guide me forward, because divine Mind places each of us right where we can best utilize our unique talents and attributes. After all, my prayer continued, my real occupation (and desire!) is serving God and humanity, so surely God is guiding me in that endeavor. Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, wrote: “Now this self-same God is our helper.... He has mercy upon us, and guides every event of our careers” (“Unity of Good,” pp. 3-4).

This statement from the Christian Science textbook was encouraging: “Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way” (Mary Baker Eddy, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 454). It was reassuring to know that divine Love, God, inspires us to move in the right direction, i.e., gives us impetus or intuition as to what to do. Then if we need additional help, God illumines the path. (I smiled to think of my career path lit up as if someone were shining a flashlight down the way.) If we need more direction still, God designates the way, points it right out! And, finally, if we have not found our way yet, divine Love takes us by the hand and leads us forward. No need to fear, because divine Love makes sure we get to exactly where we belong.

The Bible was also a source of inspiration. The prophet Isaiah counsels: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). There is no opportunity for mistakes or missteps when divine Mind is directing us to our right place, wherever and whatever that is.

Fear and misgivings about returning to the workplace diminished as I stayed with prayerful assurances that I was not doing this alone, but with the careful guidance and attentiveness of divine Mind, divine Love.

Soon a temporary part-time opportunity in my line of work opened up. The first day back I had some trepidation, I’ll admit, but went to work knowing I was doing what God had led me to, and God would see me through the day. It went well, and soon that position expanded to a full-time job that led to many years of joy and progress in my profession, in ways that I had not experienced before. I was so grateful for divine Love’s guidance and assurances.

When the time is right to go back to work, whether we have been away for a few weeks or a few years, and whether it was due to a family matter, a layoff, retirement, or a global pandemic, we can be sure God is guiding us to just the right situation, and we will find a blessing waiting for us and everyone we meet along the way.

Some more great ideas! To read or listen to a poem in the weekly Christian Science Sentinel that highlights our safety in God titled “An angel message,” please click through to www.JSH-Online.com. There is no paywall for this content.