“I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”

–John 15:16b 

For the first three years after college, I worked for the Bell System in North Carolina. As an undergraduate economics major, my goal had been to climb the corporate ladder and in those days AT&T was the largest company in the world. Thus I was thrilled to receive a job offer from Southern Bell and a starting salary of $18,000—72,000 in today’s dollars. I was set. Or so I thought.

Six months into the work, my district manager named me manager of the Repair Service Bureau in Shelby. He knew I couldn’t make things worse as that test center had some of the worst results in the state. I quickly realized, however, that I had no idea what I was doing. It was a union environment and other than a summer job I had never worked in that kind of setting. There were employees reporting to me (photo above) who had been with the company longer than I had been alive, too.

Clearly out of my element, I did the only thing which made sense–I turned to the manual. More specifically, I began to read some dusty volumes of Bell the System Operating Procedures found on my office bookshelf. In a short time, our results turned around, even leading the state in some areas. Of course, the district manager then told others he had seen raw talent in me; a diamond in the rough that he was polishing! A year later, however, came the day I knew I would leave the company.     

An ice storm was passing through the area and reports from outside crews indicated the roads were getting bad. I had an employee named Bud who lived in Kings Mountain. The road between our office and his home had many hills and curves. I was concerned about his drive. I called my supervisor to ask if I could let Bud go home early. He checked with the district manager and a short time later called back to tell me any employee could leave early, but it would be time without pay. I was furious. “So you’re telling me the bottom line is more important than our people’s safety!” “I don’t like it either,” he said, “but that’s what I was told.”

I hung up and shared the news with my staff. They were angry, too, but feeling that I had to defend the company position, I silently listened and went back to my desk. A short time later, my boss called back and spoke to the office clerk. He asked her how I was doing and told her how upset I had been. She replied, “Really?  I didn’t think he cared.” Her comment and the powerlessness I felt with my district manager’s decision made it clear to me that I was not long for the Bell System. Thus began a time of pondering.  Eighteen months later, I left for seminary.

The words from Jesus cited above don’t speak exclusively about vocational discernment, but talk about the best use of our gifts in all settings. “I appointed you to go and bear fruit,” he said, “fruit that will last.” That message is part of a larger section in John 15 where he uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to speak about our bond to him. His call to bear fruit partially explains my decision to leave the Bell System before I had any idea where I was headed. His words provide a helpful framework for all of us in the fullness of life as well.

For are the priorities of your days ones that are bearing fruit?  Certainly we all have times when we can feel as if we have accomplished little on a particular day. The question, though, is not about immediate results, but rather the outcome over time. Nor does Jesus look for a one-time decision like my leaving a job that wasn’t the right fit for me. Instead, despite loving the freedom of retirement I have a clear sense that there is something else I still need to do. Thus, to you and  me, I pose these questions.

Does the largest use of your time match what is most important to you?  Do the hours you spend draw upon the best of your abilities and passion or is there a mis-match? If there is a good fit, I celebrate with you. Yet if there is a kind of disconnect, what first step might you take to bring closer–paraphrasing the writer Frederick Buechner– the deepest longings of your heart and the world’s greatest need?      

Certainly I can’t answer such questions for you on this day. I don’t have a clear answer for myself either. Yet I remain confident that the One who appointed us to bear fruit is the same one who will accompany us in all our seasons of discernment and discovery.  Let me know what you learn.  I’ll do the same.

Vine of life, we celebrate your lifelong appointment to bear fruit that will last. Wherever we are in that effort, help us to draw insight from you once more. Amen.