Most people perceive a calling to be a special, spiritually ordained devotion to a profession, role, or project. People may feel called to be a pastor, mother, teacher, or to business. Some are called to eliminate poverty or injustice.
My calling from God is much more focused on a way of life and less on my occupation. In my adult life I have served God as a houseparent, a human resource director, a repairer and seller of kitchen cabinets, a school administrator, and now as the leader of a guest services team at a retreat and conference center (my career path has confused many of my friends and family members). In all these long and short term career positions I have continued to fulfill my calling. I am called to inspire others.
I realized this calling four or five years ago. Although I was not always aware of my calling I realized I had been fulfilling it regularly for much of my adult life. Inspiring people seems to take on many forms. I try to encourage people to live a more sincere and devoted Christian life. Other times I help point out others gifts and abilities, or simply listen to the people in which I come into contact. Hopefully I love others in such a way that they know that they have value and purpose.
People would assume that long before your fifties you would have figured out the calling God has put in your heart. I may be a bit late to the game. However, I am grateful to have discovered it later in my life. If I knew this as a younger man I am afraid I would not have had the maturity, humility, and spiritual sensitivity to allow God to make my calling what He wanted it to be.
This blog, I believe, is rooted in my calling to inspire. I certainly hope as you read about my spiritual journey you will be encouraged in your own Christian journey and realize God has a calling in your life, too.
