I have the privilege of working for an Academy that helps young people access employment through the wonderful avenue of apprenticeships. The company for which I work seeks to provide opportunities for young people and to show the way we event employ apprentices.
A job opportunity has come up to do an apprenticeship in admin things like reception work and also being a support for the main centre manager. This came as a result of the previous apprentice taking up a permanent job elsewhere. This was all for the best as in the time he was with us, he struggled to knuckle down the essential elements of the post. It became clear he would be best suited in another type of role, he wasn’t enjoying himself as much and he was getting grief from other members of staff for not living up to the requirements of the post.
It was a lesson for all of us concerned and now with this latest vacancy, whilst still looking for an apprentice we are even more careful to ensure they are able to meet the basics. One person among our current pre-apprentices already shows some of the qualities needed to excel in the post. Her commitment to the Academy is good, she is a pleasant and polite young lady who evidently knows how to keep things organised and she’s open to learn. She will be among those applying for the position.
In briefings with her she was warned of the importance of fulfilling the basics of the post especially in terms of commitment. She responded that she was aware of those requirements and would definitely live up to them. The eagerness and enthusiasm were heartfelt, she genuinely believes she could be up to it. She honestly thinks she can take this on and make the most of it.
Her eagerness and enthusiasm reminds me of me when I was a job-hunting 10 years ago. I read the job description I believed I could handle the job, I thought I could take it on and make it a success. I went for the job with the best intentions. It was only after I got the job and in actually experiencing the basics, the demands, the requirements in the context of other issues going on in my life that I realised the price of commitment and recognised that maybe I wasn’t so ready. Maybe I wasn’t so capable, maybe I hadn’t counted the cost and I was somewhat mentally and emotionally bankrupt. In as much as it cost me the job, it was a crucial milestone in my life’s journey and taught me the valuable lesson of the cost of commitment.
Where this eager pre-apprentice is concerned she may indeed be able to do well in the post. She might have those personal attributes necessary to do well. If she got the chance we would certainly find out.
This also acts as a sober reminder of my inadequacy when it comes to my commitment to Christ. I recall times of great eagerness and enthusiasm in desiring to follow Jesus and do what He commanded. I meant well at the time. I honestly believed I could do it, I genuinely thought I could make the most of it, yet when it came to the crunch there were times where I was found wanting. Those were good times to be reminded that any commitment I give – whether it’s agreeing to complete an assignment, being a responsible husband and father, being a diligent employee or a disciple – these are only fulfilled by the grace of God enabled by a humble spirit. That spirit that acknowledges total inadequacy without God and thus complete dependency on Him.
Am I suggesting that we shouldn’t be eager and enthusiastic in making declarations of intent? No. I am saying that we have to learn from Jephthah who made a great commitment and it came at great cost to him though he wasn’t aware of it. Humility before great commitment can enable us to fulfil it even if it comes at great cost.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 