Two blogs ago I brought up the powerful and releasing concept of “our contribution.” A few responded; I’m always grateful. Today, it’s another topic, related but different, and all the more life-changing.
Our contribution, as I explained, comes from a bit of self-analysis, an identification of our own particular uniqueness, then a determination to put that into practice for the wider good.
Calling has the same effect, but originates from a higher place.
Recently the small group of friends with whom we regularly meet, addressed this notion personally. Am I called? To what? How do I know? What am I doing about it?
These are the questions, the answers to which can bring profound focus to the life, and ultimately affect the lives of others.
A synonym for calling is vocation. That comes from having heard something vocalized, likely at a very deep level, which then becomes our life work. It’s something so strong, we really have no choice.
In making our contribution we take the initiative. Our calling, on the other hand, did not originate with us. It’s something we really can’t get out of. At least not without a strong denial and resistance.
Calling can manifest in either of two ways . . . using known gifts for a new and deeper purpose, or realizing new gifts. The Apostle Paul was of the first category, Peter of the second. Paul was a man of imposing intellect and unrelenting zeal. The calling he experienced mid-career ended up using those same powers but for a different cause. It changed the world. The Apostle Peter, on the other hand, when he was called, left his primary occupation altogether. (That changed the world too.)
When we personalized these thoughts in our little group, identified our own sense of calling, we found it of great benefit for each of us.
So I recommend it to you. Are you called?
Identifying it has great motivating power.
And could change the world. At least yours.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:02 am
Good thoughts, Hyatt. As an off-the-charts introvert, I’ve always found my contributions being more at the one-on-one level. Even when teaching in the classroom, my favorite moments were connecting with students individually in the day-to-day. These days, as God opens up more and more doors through teaching piano, again I find this is where my greatest joy lies, as in, “where I feel God’s pleasure.” I now describe my vocation as helping students find their voice in music, through piano. A way to connect with the world around them, with others, with God… without words (although some sing, too). That, precisely, is what I love to develop … if they happen to progress to be an excellent pianist, then that’s great, too.
9:53 am
love this, Norm
9:24 pm
Lovely Norm!
9:25 am
Just got time for one word: WOW!
9:55 am
Thanks for sharing your reflections, Hyatt, on topics that often occupy our attention.
I was struck not too long ago, that here in Spain the equivalent way to ask someone (not often done in the circles we run in!) what they do for a living is: “¿A qué te dedicas?” This idiom translates literally as: “To what are you yourself dedicated?”
I love that because a true vocation, as you put it, Hyatt, comes from a higher authority. Further, I agree it does not initiate with us, but is also an invitation extended to us to dedicate ourselves to God. To accept and live out that invitation is also to express back our love newly-energized to the One who calls us.
Doing otherwise gets us into an aimless wandering. As someone has said: “Nothing is a greater drudgery than service without love.”
Good on you, Hyatt, for sparking and directing some of our inner musings, all to our benefit!
(Sorry for the length of this!)
Luis
9:56 am
Thank you, Hyatt for sending this to my email…….been so busy with painting the inside of my house I have not had time to contemplate all you have shared with me. I do thank you for your encouragement…….and thus far, am not sure where I am headed. :-) However, I have not forgotten…….and when all this is done here at home, I will go away for a day and seek the Lord…..In the meantime, I am open to hearing from the Lord even in the midst of my “mess” here! …….because I know He can speak to me in the midst of it! Thank you again,……..
10:38 am
WOW…Again…WOW….hits something deep inside of me…that I do not believe is “me” at all…Thank you for your Contributions….as always…….
12:48 pm
Hi Hyatt,
Very nice perspective as always, thank you. I know I’ve got one and I am anxious to have it revealed to me – I feel more than one is coming and one may already be in action ….. if that makes sense :)
Lora
3:24 pm
While I don’t have the gifts of artistry, or music, I feel I have been called to the vocation of marriage. Randy is my life’s work. Most of the time it is easy, enjoyable work, sometimes much harder. :)
My work as a nurse was also a calling, that I could not deny. I was compelled to follow that path, and as a result have felt God’s presence so many times as I deal with patients and families, and marvel at how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. Psalm 139.
10:18 pm
love this, barbara – you are a great example. i’ve not thought of Mark as my life’s work, having not met him til halfway through, but I’ve still got time!
3:29 pm
My primary calling was as a physician, but not in the field I originally planned. But afterwards I got sidetracked to expand my artistic endeavors which is what I did before retiring and and do to this day. I am thankful there are more than one way the Lord lets us use our gifts. Oh yes, he let me use my music for many years also and still does.
You comments are right on and I look forward to each one.
1:08 pm
This is good Hyatt.
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, OH
9:27 pm
OHHH love this one Hyatt! I believe that the Lord uses us and our talents and calling everyday to further His kingdom! I love watching my husband see the Lord at work more and more in our lives together each day! Truly amazing since we have been married almost 40 years now. I am so thankful! Blessings! Lisa
10:09 am
Thank you Hyatt for the insightful note “Our calling is our vocation”, that which God has led us to for sustenance, and the unique place where we can be salt to those around us.
I often think about what works of mine might survive the fire someday. And I must confess I think none of mine. Only those Good Works that He puts before me to do each day will remain, and only if I watch and come along side that which He is doing in that moment.
And this reminds me not to try and make my vocation totally efficient with a “to do list” (which I never seem to be able to finish each day). But always watch carefully lest I miss that “Good Work” that passed through my day today.
4:55 pm
hyatt – you are so good at “little themes” – well, big in depth, but small little bits of wisdom – like booklets when you’re all finished. so glad you have such a wide readership for all our gain. I remember when your kids would share requests at mealtime for prayer and little hyatt wouldn’t know what to ask for and you always said, “wisdom.” I’m thinking dad prayed wisdom for you, as well, and God’s answered. see you in a week.