Engaging the World Through Mission: Vocation

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. ~ Acts 13:2-3
Everyone has (their) own specific mission or vocation in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein (they) cannot be replaced, nor can (their) life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as (their) specific opportunity to implement it. ~ Viktor Frankl
The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship. ~ Martin Luther
The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet. ~ Frederick Buechner

Just because we may not be called to baptism or teaching, does not make our mission - our calling, our vocation - any less important.

 If Jesus' first command is "Go," then the second part of the command is "Do."

 And figuring out the "do" part can be the task of a lifetime.

 There are many ways to figure it out: What brings us joy? What do we want to share with others? What are we trained for? What did we get an education in? What did the Spiritual Gifts inventory tell me? What did a mentor guide me toward? Or the Career development test?

 What does my family need?

 What does my community need?

 What does my neighbor need?

 What does the world need?

 For everyone there is a place where our talents, our gifts, our joys, and/or our education can be lined up with a need that is beyond ourselves. 

 Our call to "go and make disciples" can best be served by the lining up of talent, joy, or skill with the need of others.

 It doesn't have to be anything fancy, or super important, or complicated.

 But it has to be ours. And it is meant to be used.

 Go. Do.

 The world has need of you.
Prayer: Holy One, help me to find the place where my deep gladness meets your creation's need. Amen.




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