"Bachelors have consciences, husbands have wives." - Samuel Johnson

Josh started his new job today. I haven't written about it here because the transition had to be handled carefully, but after a month or so of negotiations he's leaving the clinic he's managed for the last seven years (or so) and starting work at two different places. He's also making a change from pediatric occupational therapist to Certified Hand Therapist (although the actual certification will come after he's accumulated enough on-the-job hours).

Josh will work Fridays at the Mayo Clinic. No, he's not commuting to Minnesota; they have their other center on the NE side of Phoenix. Monday through Thursday he'll work at a hand clinic operated by a small group of hand surgeons who have a practice here in the valley with offices downtown and in Mesa. Mayo has said they'd like him to work there full time but don't have an opening for him now. When they do.... Obviously, working at Mayo is the brass ring in the medical profession, so if things fall together over the next year or so that may be where this ends up. In the meantime the hand therapy clinic (they know about the Mayo bit) is a great gig, and they have made him feel very welcome.

His mom and dad are understandably proud of his accomplishments, not only in achieving a level of competency in a new-to-him field that qualifies him to work at Mayo, but the interpersonal skills that make him attractive to the employer and effective with the patients.

And lest you think he's the only standout son from his (mother's) gene pool, there's news re. Steve, too. But that has to wait a bit longer. Still in process.

Writing this makes me think of a verse in 3rd John: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (v. 4).

While we're proud of their professional accomplishments we really don't care what our sons do for employment, so long as it's legal. (That gig Josh had doing lung transplants out of their garage was a bit borderline.) Our greatest joy comes from their commitment (and that of our daughters) to live as God's servants.

I preached a sermon and wrote an article a few months ago about the difference between helping out at church and serving. The former is something one does, the latter something one is. The former says, "I have resources that I will graciously use for a time to assist you with your need." The latter says, "I am Your servant and will do your bidding, whatever that may be, to Your ends and goals." One says, "I can help" while the servant says, "Tell me what to do."

We live in, and the church is increasingly, a "helper" culture. The focus on self-determination and individual rights doesn't fit real well with Mary's, "I am the Lord's servant; may it be to me as you have said" - her response to the angel who told her of her virgin pregnancy.

So the above parental boasting about Josh's latest professional accomplishments (and the impending bragging on Steve's) is the smaller part of the whole. What matters most and gives these parents their greatest joy is the knowledge that our kids - all of them - are first and foremost God's servants, viewing their lives and seeking to make their decisions consistent with God's will and direction. This shows up in myriad ways, including their faithful service at Pathway.

With the Apostle John (above verse), Pam and I rejoice and are thankful to know our children are walking in the truth.