Meaningful, Purposeful Work

Meaningful, Purposeful Work

For Michael Voss, Wedgwood’s Residential Program Manager, working at Wedgwood Christian Services is so much more than a job. It’s a calling.

For the last 24 years, working for a distinctively Christian, professionally excellent organization and helping people make changes to turn their lives around has been – and continues to be – crucial, meaningful work for Michael.

Wedgwood’s team is full of people who have answered God’s call to use their skills, talents, and passions to extend God’s love to children, teens, families, and adults in West Michigan. Having worked in a variety of roles in Wedgwood’s Residential Program, and in other capacities in the criminal justice and social work fields, Michael has a unique perspective on answering the call to serve others.

Here are 5 thoughts from Michael on working with a calling and purpose:

Remember who you are working with

Wedgwood’s Residential Program provides care and treatment for children and teens who have tumultuous, trauma-filled pasts. What they have experienced results in serious mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges.

“Despite all they have endured,” Michael said, “they are still just kids.”

Kids who are excited about things like roller coasters, telling someone they did well on a test, and having mac n’ cheese for lunch.

Each child, teen, and adult that relies on Wedgwood’s grace-filled care is a person who has immense value, and is someone that Jesus loves so dearly that he’d give his all for them. Each person is unique, precious, and important.

Keep yourself educated on the issues

Michael was once given this advice from a supervisor: “You know who the answer to the problem is, you need to learn more about the problem.” Meaning: we know that God’s love and grace, and the compassion of the Wedgwood team are key in the healing process,

Comfort others with the same comfort we’ve received   

When we learn exciting news or a helpful piece of advice, we want to share it with others. We want to help people as much as we can.

Michael refers to 2 Corinthians 1:4 which reminds us that we are called to extend to others the same love, grace, and comfort that God has shown us. For Wedgwood, this is the core of our mission: extending God’s love to youth, adults, and families through professional counseling and educational support.

Planting and watering seeds

Transforming lives is not always a quick process. In fact, it rarely is. It can be helpful to think about it like planting and watering seeds.

“Sometimes we don’t see the fruits of our labor in the way we want it or when we want it,” said Michael. “But we have to trust God in the process.”

Patience, while not always easy, is key. Just like different plants sprout, grow, and bloom at different rates, people understand, grow, heal, and change at their own pace. Sometimes that means we can see some of the impact we are making, sometimes that means we are planting a seed to prepare them for the growth that’s to come.

Leave each day with no regrets

Michael’s personal motto is to leave work each day with no regrets – knowing that he did all he could do with his day.

“I strive to be in step with what God is leading me to do,” he said.

Whether it’s sharing the encouragement with a coworker, taking the extra time to hear about a kid’s day, or being intentional about following up on paperwork – do all that you can within your role to make a difference.

—————————————————————————————-

Feeling called to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, teens, families, and adults through your God-given talents? Join Wedgwood’s team! We are looking for dedicated, compassionate individuals to extend God’s love. See all openings and apply today at www.wedgwood.org/join-our-team.

 

 

 

 

Check out our Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation with Michael on our YouTube Channel and Social Media. You can hear the full conversation on the Wedgwood Podcast available wherever you get your podcasts.