"I don't want to be in a job that turns me into this. This isn't me."

I said this a few days ago and I've been sharing it in conversation with a few people here and there. I've been saying that I'm generally a patient person, but not in this job. I've been saying that I'm generally a compassionate person, but not in this job.

Tonight I was sharing it with someone and as it came out my mouth, the error in my thinking occurred to me. The wise man with whom I was speaking was quick to point it out as well:

Really, it's just the opposite. I'm not a patient person. I'm not a compassionate person. But this job is and will be extending and shaping and refining and developing my patience and compassion.

What a tough, grueling, sobering reality.