The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window - Christian Life-Work Planning

1. 平安福音堂．大專事工日營畢業前路茫茫？職業的呼召工作坊Philip Wu29 July 2008

2. The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window   Once there was a boy named Jacob who lived with his father in the country. The father loved Jacob very much, and because of this, Jacob would do just about anything for him. Like shining floors. Watering flowers. Or fixing a chair.

3. The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window  He seemed like just an ordinary boy. Ordinary, and yet Jacob’s father hoped that his son could see how special he really was. The boy grew. Then, one day, Jacob made an important discovery: By reflecting on his accomplishments, he realized he enjoyed taking the most ordinary things in life and making them beautiful! He began to wonder, “Where can I put this gift to work?” 

4. The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window  “The only way you’ll ever find out,” said his father, “is to explore your opportunities.” Jacob knew where those existed--far away in the Big City. And that exactly where he decided to go. As Jacob left home, his father told him, “Remember, your gift has been given you so you can give it to others.” When Jacob reached the Big City, he was met by a world that was out of breath. He found people of every type and temperament. And while he was overwhelmed, he was ready to begin exploring.  So Jacob began his search. He explored how he could use his talent. In a shop. In a school. And finally, Jacob discovered an opportunity in the most ordinary place he could think of. This was the Inn, a home to the City’s most unlovely people.

5. The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window  The Innkeeper was a man who had rejected many people. A lot of these, like Jacob, had come looking for work. Yet, when the Innkeeper saw what beautiful things Jacob could do, and when he saw the young man’s confidence, he paid him to put his talent to work. And did he ever. Painting. Planting. Fixing. But it wasn’t until the day grew dark that Jacob saw his real talent coming to light. After work one evening he designed a stained glass window for the Inn. It seemed insignificant at the time. Until he made another. And another. Soon, Jacob’s stained glass windows warmed up the cold corners of people’s lives, and made sad faces shine. 

6. The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window  At first they were just gifts for friends. Then Jacob’s windows started to light up local businesses. This brought Jacob much joy--and frustration. He found too little time in the day for both his work and his windows. Finally, Jacob had to make a choice: He decided to say goodbye to the Inn and its owner and devote himself fully to working out his beautiful gift through stained glass. For years, when people saw the beauty of Jacob’s stained glass windows, they were able to see beyond their average, ordinary lives. Jacob knew exactly why this was so. It was because he remembered that , once upon a time, his father had seen through the ordinary qualities in him only to discover a special gift he could give to others. And for Jacob, seeing this made all the difference in life. 

7. The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window Jacob sits on the scaffold looking back on his life and career. He sees the process of vocational development clearly now. Jacob has finished his course; you are just starting yours.

8. The Parable of Jacob's Stained Glass Window • Reflections • Which point, scene or picture of Jacob’s story touches you most? • Reflecting on your own accomplishments, what do you enjoy doing most? Have you discovered your “stained glass window”?

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