Yes, it’s good. Just not for me.

My experience with this idea goes against our culture. A culture that would have us believe we are clever if we evaluate matters and form conclusions so strong as to make contrary viewpoints invalid. Especially in Christian circles, the idea of one objective truth is highly valued: “There is no such thing as my truth and your truth… That is an oxymoron.” I do not disagree. However, there can be something that is true in you and not be true in me.

You may identify with part or all of my story.

I was involved in a ministry for a few years before my soul no longer fit there. It took two years to figure out what was going on because the leadership was phenomenal. I loved the vision. They were doing important work and were passionate about it. The first time I stepped foot there, I knew I was supposed to be involved and God opened a wide door for me. I became part of the team. I had skills they needed.

When I first felt the rub, I concluded it was burnout. I was involved in other ventures that took a great deal of time and energy. I was in the season of raising children. Maybe I just had too much on my plate. Perhaps…but there was more to it.

The next, and far more sinister temptation is to think, “There must be something wrong with the way the are doing things if it is having such a negative effect on my soul.” We can always find articles and experts that poke holes in even the best of work being done by any organization. We can always find something to complain about. It is far better to ask the honest question: Can something be good in God’s eyes and not be good for me?

The answer is, Yes. But do not stop there. Don’t simply agree with the haters and walk away. Resist also the temptation to think this is simply a good season coming to an end. This is too shallow an understanding and shortchanges the beauty of what God is revealing.

God was revealing important truths about me…my true self. A “self” God knew and wanted me to know. A self that went beyond an Enneagram, DISC, or Myers Briggs. To discover this true self, I had to let Him take me beyond mere gifting, skills, personality or leadership type. This is the self that God had in mind when He created me (and you). The one He constantly has on the potter’s wheel. If I think, “He is shaping me into a replica of His Son,” then I think too existentially. Rather, our Father is not just creating replicas; He is creating unique vessels designed to be filled with the Spirit of His Son. God created us in order to abide in us. We are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10). Figuring out who this vessel is and what makes it unique will help us discover what those works are and where we are to do them. This takes time and inner work guided by the Spirit.

In my experience, it cannot be done alone. Who are the people in your life that will companion you on the journey to discover your true self? Who has the patience to hold their tongue and not simply tell you who they think you are, but let you discover it as God does the revealing?

A kitchen can be a very good place indeed, but not for a hammer; it belongs in the workshop. A place can be good, but not be good for you.