Today we think of the word “vocation” as being a combination of Christian values and our occupational or life choices. We are called to certain obligations or professions, and we are called to boldly and faithfully live in a way that shows others what it means to be a Christian. God calls all of us—not just clergy—to take part in bringing God’s dreams to fruition. For our part, we are required to listen for the call and act faithfully in response.
I’ve long thought that God could be clearer about our choice of vocation. An email would be good—or a letter if God wants to avoid the spam filters. I’d be even happier with a phone call. Figuring out what God is calling us to do, unfortunately, takes a bit of work. We need to keep our eyes, ears, and hearts wide open as we pray, study, observe, and reflect—the keys to discerning our vocation.
When we find that our vocation brings out gifts in the people and situations with which we interact, then we can be pretty sure we’re responding faithfully to God’s call, whether that’s halfway around the world, or in our own backyard playing with the kids.
This message was adapted from the “This Call’s for You” article written by Debra K. Farrington that first appeared in the March 2006 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine.
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