What’s your calling?
This past Saturday, I was blessed to be a part of Christian Expo, sponsored by PJNET.TV and hosted by Mt Zion Baptist Church. In addition to reuniting with author friends and building new relationships, I spoke at the event, inviting our guests to consider, What’s your calling?
My message shared at Christian Expo
I expect, like me, many of you thought about what you wanted to be when you grew up. Was that an easy decision for you? Did you ponder on a career choice or marriage decisions, wondering how to choose the best direction in life?
I’ve always loved horses, so as a teenager, my goal was to be a veterinarian when I grew up, but by the time I was part way through college, I decided to be a teacher.
That was the right pathway for me–my calling—my vocation. The word vocation comes from the Latin word, vocare, which means “to call.”
Some dictionaries define vocation as being one’s career. Merriam-Webster adds the aspect of being called or summoned to an action, perhaps even by a divine calling.
For Christians, the concept of vocation refers to how we serve God and neighbor through our work, it might be paid work or unpaid, which many of us know about. But we work and serve in an effort to honor God and promote the good of others.
I think we’re blessed when our calling is our career, but sadly that doesn’t happen with everyone. Sometimes what we’re called to do, what we care about, is different from our career (I’m not meaning to imply that we don’t care about our careers), of course we do. But as we all know, there are many other aspects of our lives in addition to career paths.
Is it vocation or career?
What happens when what we believe is our vocation comes to an end? I’ve been a teacher for more than 40 years, but when I retired from my college teaching position, I sort of lost myself. I felt I no longer had a purpose. Oh, I was busy alright—that wasn’t the problem—volunteer work overwhelmed me. But I loved working with my college students and that seemed lost forever.
Do you think our calling, our vocation, is the same as our purpose? I pondered that recently and I believe, perhaps, our purpose is God’s plan for us and our vocation, our calling, is the process and the method by which we achieve that purpose. What do you think? I’d love to chat with you about that later if you’d like.
Our Christian Bible tells us much about our purpose in life. Jesus spoke about it, too. In Matthew 28, Jesus reminds us that our purpose is to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and to “teach them to obey” all of His commandments.
Jesus reminds us of the greatest of those commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “love our neighbor as ourselves.”(Matthew 22:36-39)
That pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it? We’re to tell the world about Jesus, love God with everything we’ve got and love our neighbor.
So how are we to love our neighbor?
Those of you here who worked so hard to put this event together demonstrated loving God and neighbor. You Christian authors are following God’s commandments by spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through your works. And those of you buying books to read or give to others share the Good News with neighbors.
But back to me for a moment. My vocation changed when I retired—or did it? I began my career as a health and physical education teacher because of my concern for the health and well-being of our nation’s children. Our children, as well as many of adults, struggle to make healthy choices about what to eat and the amount of physical activity they have daily. This can lead to all kinds of health problems as we grow older.
I wanted to make a difference.
Isn’t that what we all want–to make a difference? To make a positive difference in the lives of others? To be a light for Jesus in a dark world?
The second part of my career was as a college professor, working with students who were going to be teachers. Now I had the opportunity to prepare young men and women to go out into the world and make a difference. I loved it!
But suddenly I wasn’t doing that anymore, I felt lost, with no purpose. But as He always does, God had a plan—a different pathway, but the same vocation, the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of others by helping them on their wellness journey.
A different pathway
Several years ago, I wrote a Bible Study designed to help adults recognize this marvelous blessing God has given us—our human body is an amazing creation. God created us in His own image. In Genesis, He describes us as being his “very good” creation. And there’s more–our bodies serve as a temple of the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us! How awesome is that?
But as I mentioned earlier, we sometimes struggle to take care of our body. After I wrote the Bible study, I piloted it (a trial run) in my church. At some point in the study, I mentioned to my church and community members who attended, that since retirement, I struggled to find my purpose.
And a sweet dear friend, a shy person who never, ever speaks up in a group said, “Well, maybe you’re living it right now.”
Duh! There I was, bemoaning the fact that I no longer had my dream job, my purpose was gone. But God gave this sweet woman the words I needed to hear to recognize that my purpose wasn’t gone—my calling to be an encourager for others in their wellness journey remained. God just changed the path as to how to fulfill that purpose.
Isn’t it wonderful when we’re struggling to figure something out, our Father sends His message to us through an earthly angel?
Romans 8:28 tells us: We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God has a purpose for each of us.
Our Father equips us to answer His call and work toward that purpose. He gives us the ability, tools, and helpers to achieve His purpose, to follow our vocation. And if the direction of that vocation changes, our loving Lord is there to guide us through the change. We all know change is hard, but our God is with us through those hard times.
What’s your calling?
I invite you to consider your purpose and how God called you and prepared you to achieve that purpose. I don’t believe our purpose and vocation are fulfilled until we leave this world to go be with Jesus. Our Father continues to shape us, mold us, for a lifetime, into what He knows we can be. And that might involve a change of direction.
Like me, have you been forced to change directions, when you weren’t ready, perhaps kicking and screaming, but God guided you through it?
As long as we have breath, we can serve the Lord and even after we’re gone, we leave a legacy. It may be through our written words and our actions that were a good role model for others. It may be through lessons we taught to others as we live out our calling. We live on through our vocation, whatever God has called us to do.
“As long as we have breath, we can serve the Lord and even after we’re gone, we leave a legacy.” Truth we all need to remember. Thank you, Katherine.
Sometimes the enormity of responsibility for leaving a positive legacy for my students, children, and grandchildren seems overwhelming, but then our remember, our Lord is with us every step of the way. We are so blessed. Thank you, Diana and wishing you a great week.
When I struggle with living God’s purpose, I am reminded of Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart .” When we truly desire God’s will and presence, our desires line up with His and we can find that sweet spot of purpose in everything we do from washing dishes to teaching a Sunday School class. Thanks for sharing your heart, Katherine!
Thank you for sharing Psalm 37:4, Barbara. His message is so reassuring. I love how you demonstrate that purpose can be in the ordinary and mundane as well as focusing on what we view as more important. I’m so glad you shared your thoughts with us. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Great post! I wish I had been in the session to hear you speak. I have often struggled with “my purpose” in the various seasons my life has spanned. It wasn’t until I learned to pray for and listen to God’s direction that I found peace and contentment. My mantra also changed to, “Thy will, Lord, not my will.” What a difference that made.
I wish you could have joined us, Craig. We had a wonderful day. You may catch the speaking segments online. I think there are plans to share. I agree with you–it’s only through pray and seeking our Father’s guidance that we find peace and contentment–and guidance as we seek to discern His calling for us. Thank you for sharing your insight. May God continue to bless your ministry of service to Him.
Loved the article. As one entering my seventh decade this year I reflect back on my life and career, vocation, and God’s calling. After college, I served as a US Army officer while in my early and mid 20s. Went to seminary and served as a full-time ordained minister in my late 20s to mid 40s. Retrained and served as a software engineer in my late 40s until retirement in mid 60s. From the mid 1970s until present I have written books and articles. I had my first “professional” sale in 1981. For me, transition to “retirement” was just elevating my writing from part-time to a retirement job. Life is good and part of the reason is following God’s call on my life to include a couple of career changes. Thanks for the article.
Jimmie, thank you for letting us know about your career journey. God led you through a variety of vocations as He shaped you along your path with Him. I know you blessed many on the different stages of your career and now you do so in your writing. Wishing you good health and joy, my friend.
I admit to feelings of irrelevance and not being seen as I transitioned from full to part time teaching to total retirement. But I’m reminded my identity comes from Christ, not from my work. And God still plans for me. Use me, Lord.
I had those same feelings, Candyce, and they still sneak in sometimes, even now. But you are right–God has the plan and He’s not finished with us yet. I echo your prayer, “Use me. Lord.” Wishing you a blessed week and Happy Spring!
Katherine, I identify with this post. I left my job six years ago, before full retirement, to pursue a writing career. Instead of writing I remodeled my home and spent lots of time with my two granddaughters. I lost my identity and my hope of writing. Three years ago I pressed toward the mark of my high calling to write. The challenge is great but I’m learning and fulfilling my present purpose. I am now resting in the fact that my identity is in Christ not my vocation or ministry. This brings much peace! I enjoy all your posts but especially this one!
Lisa, I’m so proud of you and happy for you that you followed your dream. That took great courage. And now you’ve recommitted to your calling. You are right–our identity is in Christ and our true vocation comes through Him. My prayers are with you. You can do it!
Katherine, my personal mission statement is to connect sojourners to the heart of God. That puts purpose into every exchange I have with people, whether checking out at the grocery store, teaching a Bible study, or writing a blog. Enjoyed hearing about your journey. I loved horses as a girl too, but didn’t get to be around them very much.
Thank you for sharing, Debbie. I love your mission statement, “Connect sojourners to the heart of God.” That’s a worthy mission and I know God is with you. Wishing you blessings as you continue to serve Him.
Great article Katherine. As one who has changed careers in life seasons and experienced some unexpected paths, I relate. I look at the Giver of my gifts and the purposes, people, and seasons He has for me. With a Biblical worldview to think “Christianly” and glorify God, we go and live where He places us. I can honestly say every change- the surprising ones and those where I’ve said, “i don’t think so”- yielded blessings more than I imagined-whether great outcomes or learning more about myself and depending on God as my Source.
Marilyn, I’m so grateful that you shared your thoughts. Your insights are so meaningful. Thank you for reminding us of God as the Source of all we are and all we can be. Wishing you a blessed week.
Sounds like you made a great contribution to the EXPO. We live on through what we do. Thanks, Katherine. God bless!
It was a blessing to be a part of the Expo and I’m honored to be included. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Hope you have a wonderful week, Nancy, and a Happy Spring!
Great insights about calling, purpose, and vocation, Katherine! Thanks for lots to ponder.
Kathy, thank you for your encouragement and support. I’m hoping spring has come to your mountains. Wishing you a blessed week.
Katherine, I enjoyed this post as I found myself pondering the paths God chose for me. Our God is creative in His pursuit of our attention and service to Him. I agree we continue to walk in our calling in whatever season we find ourselves in at the moment. Your post made me even more eager to listen for His leading and opportunities to serve Him.
Thank you, Jeannie. Your response is so encouraging. I’m so grateful you shared. Our Father continues to provide new opportunities for us to serve Him. I pray we can continue to answer His call. Blessings!
Such interesting questions raised by your post Ms. Katherine. Is my vocation the same as my purpose? No, I don’t think so, for me anyway. Do I believe my vocation serves my purpose? When I define my purpose as that for which God made me and is directing me toward (lots of refinement still needed), yes. I absolutely think that my various vocations have all been used by God to achieve His purpose. Have I faithfully followed? No, not if I’m honest. Do I suspect God had already planned for my “stupidity?” Absolutely! 🙂 Great post ma’am.
Your responses fill me with joy, kind sir. You are such a wonderful example. You are quite diligent in assessing if your actions are following the path our Father has set for you. While I think you are probably too hard on yourself, the rest of us should be as concerned as you are about staying on God’s pathway. Like you, I have stumbled along the way, taken detours, and gotten lost, but our Lord is faithful and trustworthy and He rescues the lost and gives us another chance (multiple chances) and continues to guide and encourage us to do better. Thank you, J.D.
Great thoughts, Katherine! I love your intentionality of figuring out what God wants you to do and how to do it. When we seek Him, we will find Him. I’m so glad you found your calling in this season of life!
“When we seek Him, we will find Him.” Yes, Annie, and He is so close to us–not hard to find–we just have to admit our need and go to Him. As I finish you book, From Ignorance to Bliss, I think you have found your calling for this season of life, too. Your book will change the minds and hearts of those who read it. May God bless your book release so that many will have the opportunity to learn about your family’s journey with Down Syndrome.
What a wonderful message Katherine. I believe each of us are called to share Christ and love with everyone we meet. But how that happens changes throughout our lives. It might start in our career but continues into our retirement years. Our work for Christ is never done and I’ve learned to find my purpose in it.
I agree, Yvonne. I’m so grateful you shared your insights. As you point out, we serve in different ways as God calls us, but “Our work for Christ is never done.” Blessings!
Thanks for sharing your story to encourage us, Katherine, and thanks especially for your honesty. Transitioning to new places or paths can be difficult in so many ways. It helps to remember we’re not alone because of the One who sent us to that spot and because of people like you who can relate and support us.
Leigh, I’ve been blessed to have so many wonderful Christian mentors and role models. I pray our Father will continue to shape, mold, and guide all believers to follow the example of their spiritual mentors and faithful disciples and share the love and light of Jesus with others. Thank you for your encouragement, Leigh, and I pray God will continue to bless your ministry of service to Him.
I love how the woman spoke up and confirmed you were right where you should be. Sometimes I believe our gifts come so naturally that we don’t realize how God is moving. We feel we should struggle to be productive. Isn’t God amazing though. He equips us and uses us when we are willing vessels. Your words have definitely touched my heart over the past year.
Jen, thank you for your kind and encouraging response. Even though it’s been almost ten years since my friend encouraged me with her comment, it’s still so vivid in my memory, God has a special way of sending messages when we need them. I think God is continuing to equip us on our journey of service and I’m so glad you and I have been able to encourage each other this past year. Wishing you a blessed week.