Thank you for the question on passion and identity, “Do you know someone who feels their work is a calling or a passion, that their whole identity is wrapped up in their profession? Are they happy and enjoy what they do?
I would think that many people are passionate about what they do each day in their profession, but their identity is not totally linked to their profession. In fact, it is unhealthy, in my opinion, to link one’s identity to one’s profession regardless of the degree of passion. Our identity is greater than one’s profession. The profession is a channel to which one’s expresses one passion. No one is absolute happy and enjoy what they do for it demands time, energy, and even dollars. One has to balance living with one’s profession.
My father-in-law, who is a nuclear physicist, is passionate about teaching Ph’d students. He consults with students in Asia. He works with them on their research projects. He doesn’t have to work with those students, but he does because he enjoys it.
As a retired pastor, I enjoy the work of ministry especially caring and visiting people. We can talk for hours. Most family knows that when I visit, it will be at least 2 hours. One family wanted me to stay and chat some more when we already spent 4 hours that evening! I shared that I have to be go home to be with my family. I enjoy sharing the Word, seeing people grow in the Lord, and being with God’s people.
The person who knows his/her vision, mission, passion, and beliefs is a committed or dedicated person. Happiness is not necessarily the deciding factor for that person sees a greater good or need than one’s own happiness.
SUMMARY: The profession is the expression of one’s self-identity and passion. If you find/know your, vision, mission, passion, and beliefs in this life, it’s worth more than gold. You’re living for something in this life.
-Kingston