“I'm Pleased NOT to Announce...”

I’m thinking of changing my resume. Why? Because all my career I haven’t really been telling the truth. Don’t worry, all the positions and dates are accurate. But I haven’t told the whole truth—that in addition to the good things I’ve done, there have been a few stumbles along the way. I’ve been pleased not to announce that.

Bullet Point History

But recently I did a “bullet point history” of my career. I listed all the positions I’ve held and the dates for each. Next, I added bullet points for my accomplishments in that job, and bullet points of what was happening in my life—new house, children, health issues, travel. Reviewing my work/life journey was eye opening.

Then I added one more component that was a game-changer. I asked, “How was God forming me at each stage?” and listed a bullet point or two for each job. All of a sudden my list became a spiritual formation history of my life. Turns out, the most significant part was not my positions, achievements or promotions. It was my failures—that’s what God used to teach me the most and draw me closer to him.

Biggest Failures Resume?

The truth is, I don’t have the guts to include a Biggest Failures section on my resume—it’s probably better that I don’t announce that anyway. But I’m glad I took time to reflect on my mistakes because they are what God used to teach me humility and wisdom, and that’s worth more than gold (Proverbs 16:16).

So here’s a suggestion: as we begin the New Year, use some of that quiet time in the office or around the house to develop a bullet point spiritual formation history. It just might open your eyes to what God has been doing in your life all these years.