Dutch adventure version 2.0

So the vicar of my Anglican church told me this morning that I seem like I'm enjoying my experiences in Holland. And he's right. Despite the bitter, bitter cold (I had to lie under the covers shivering for 20 minutes to recover from my bike ride back from church), I do really enjoy my time here.

I've noticed that sometimes when I'm walking around town or doing something by myself I'm randomly smiling. The reason for this, of course, is the great blessing that is my job. Taking bad English and making it sound professional is very gratifying. I also think my work is valuable. I'm contributing in a positive way to society.

This whole week my boss was sick with the flu. On Thursday we had a genuine crisis, and only I had the knowledge needed to resolve it. I think it took a few years off my life, but I did fix the problem in the end, thereby, of course, enhancing my own job security.

This summer in Berlin I was discussing a former job with a friend. I had had two offers and the position I chose turned out rather unpleasant, and my friend said something along the lines of, "So accepting that job was a mistake." Her use of that word jumped out at me. I thought about it and realized that I shouldn't think of my career choices in terms of mistakes. Careers are like flow charts. If you go down one route, it will open up new options which were previously closed to you. You also learn from your experiences.

As many of you know, this is my second attempt to move to and get a job in Holland. I sometimes refer to my life here as "Dutch adventure version 2.0." In version 1.0 my job, my city, my housing situation and my church were dreadful. In version 2.0 they're fantastic. Or maybe, they're just really good, but I appreciate them so much more when I compare them to the past.

While God always has a plan for our lives, He doesn't always let us see those plans. When I consider that the crazy mix of impulsive choices and leaps of faith that I call "my career" actually fit together pretty well and brought me where I am today, it fills me with awe - and with excitement over all the other ways God is working that I can't see. And then I start smiling again.