The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do

never would have imagined himself working at a homeless
shelter after retiring, but when he saw the need, it just made
sense. After the death of his wife, he was heartbroken. So he
focused his free time on serving the less fortunate, a way of
turning tragedy into triumph, as Jody Noland had done. His
friend introduced him to the opportunity at the mission in a
brief apprenticeship of sorts. And like Ginny Phang, he was
initially uncomfortable with the work, but the more he did it,
the better it fit.
Deciding to work at the mission was one of the most
significant pivots of Ed’s life, resulting in a legacy of
hundreds, if not thousands, of lives changed. But all that is
not to disregard the years he spent as a physical therapist
and singer, as a dedicated husband and loyal church
member. Like Jody Maberry, Ed’s calling was not just one
thing; it was his whole life—a portfolio with immeasurable
ripple effects.
Yes, we all die unfinished symphonies, and the work is
never complete. But if you hear the call to make your life
about more than you and what you can contribute, you will
have peace, not anxiety, when facing mortality. You will
realize, as we all do, that you do not have enough resources
to complete what you were called to do. Coming to the edge
of the Promised Land, you will lack the strength to enter in.
The project or company you spent your life trying to get off
the ground will need even more management and even
more funding to go to the next level. And your time will be
finished, even though the work of a calling never ends.