Now that the “giving” season at the homeless shelter is over, Mary is beginning her job search in earnest again. She sent out resumes a few times this fall, but now she will be sending more.

She is 27, and Goodwill and the State rehabilitation program have dropped her from their case loads. She was able, on her own, to find part-time, seasonal work with a homeless shelter, but has been unable to find a full time, regular job. She is highly valued (although not highly paid) by the homeless shelter for her skills in accounting and data entry. But her autistic features,language related learning disabilities, and inability to drive have been a barrier to regular employment.

So now that the “giving” season is over for the homeless shelter, her hours will be reduced to six hours a week. I am grateful that she has this opportunity and that she has meaningful work.

Loneliness is an issue. She has been trying to find things to do. She has been teaching herself how to draw and paint and work with chalks. We go to church. She has that social opportunity, and work is a social outlet.

I try not to fret, but that low level concern keeps niggling at the back window of my mind, trying to get in. But I need to keep in mind that the Lord has a place for Mary. She is his workmanship, his handiwork, his masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for her to do.

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“ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, the Bible, NIV)