The Calling

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

I wrote something the other day that resonated somewhere inside me. Actually, a few friends helped me write this until it resonated.

A few other Adventures staff and myself spent last Saturday participating in a Calling Workshop. Neil Bruinsma, who is also on staff at Adventures, has developed a curriculum to help people discover their calling – The Father’s unique purpose for our lives.

We shared what motivates us, the skills we possess, our dreams, and what we hear the Father speaking to us.

I shared how I love building relationships and helping people our society seems to forget, such as people with special needs or people in other countries. I shared how I desired to serve a diverse group of people by using my skills of encouragement and listening, and also my ability to solve problems.

Later in the afternoon we were asked what the world needs. I instantly thought of all the need I saw while on The World Race. I thought of all the people trapped in poverty who needed access to assistance and opportunity. I met the lonely and the forgotten, people who want a friend, someone who will hear their voice. I helped people remember their true identity, an identity found in Christ.

We brainstormed together on whiteboards and giant sheets of paper. The convergence of our passions, skills, and the needs of the world started to take shape, and a calling statement was created.

Here is my calling statement:

“Live to nurture relationships with those in need through providing emotional and tangible support to help them get connected, find their voice, and step into their identity in Christ.”

This statement resonates with me because it simply states so many things I already know to be true. I know what the Lord has spoken to me. I know the gifts He has given me. And I know the needs that exist in this world.

Through this process, I was reminded of the Father’s love and his faithfulness. I was reminded of the experiences, relationships, and lessons I’ve had so far in life and how he is using those things for His glory today. He reminded me that as I pursue intimacy with Him, He will continue to remind me of my calling each day.

God doesn’t call us to be men & women without direction. He refers to us as his handiwork, something created for a purpose. A good purpose.

What do you desire to do for the Kingdom? What gifts can you share with others? What do you have that the world needs?