To many of us our vocation is our job–the way we make ends meet. If we are fortunate enough to find employment, we go to work day after day, not because we want to, but because we have to. We are motivated by simple economics for basic survival. Sadly, even though we benefit monetarily, we may be depleting our joy reserves. What we gain in financial security, we may be sacrificing in personal fulfillment.
Perhaps you have heard the old adage: “Do what you love and then find a way to get paid for it.” Some of us may have the joy of finding fulfillment through our careers. But for many, this is not the case. Fortunately, we can turn to our avocation. The word avocation means “a subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one’s vocation especially for enjoyment: hobby.” If you love to garden, get your hands in the earth. If you love to run, lace up your shoes and hit the pavement. If you love to write, open your journal and get busy! As we increase our joy and our sense of fulfillment, our spiritual senses will sharpen. Then we will be able to hear God’s voice more clearly.
This message is adapted from “Faith reflections: Bold vocations” written by Angela T. Khabeb that first appeared in the June 2014 issue of Café magazine.