Lately I have been thinking about the word “calling” and what it actually means. The Bible actually speaks on it quite a bit. Where I think a lot of people miss the meaning of the word “calling” is associating every part of this word with their profession. I just don’t see this being the case. I actually don’t think it has much to do with it at all. Now, I am not demeaning where you are at in life and if you are right where you feel you are called to be and in your called profession, then I will be the first person rooting you on. The only thing I am debating here is having the wrong focuses in the pursuit of our “calling”.
Again, I believe that somehow we have learned the idea our professions somehow define us, but I see calling being entirely associated with the idea of being available for others. Calling and the relationships we have are one in the same. Can our professions help create relationships and give us more opportunities to make an impact? Absolutely.
But, I believe the biggest opportunity to lead is through being available to pour into the lives of others and to love them. Again, the first step in impacting the lives of others involves us first being available. Then and only then can we be a true friend and fully love. How many times have we come up with the excuse of being too busy to care for those we come in contact with? Probably more than we would like to admit. Well, I am exhausted and embarrassed of repeatedly making this popular excuse. Can we all commit to being more available for one another?
To make this happen, don’t worry so much about your “calling” that you are heading towards and focus more about today. Focus on how you can make a difference in the lives of those around you today. Live each day the way it was intended to be, as your calling. You are called to make an impact in the lives of others. Stop putting life off until you someday reach what you are “called” to do. You are called right now.
Make an impact and start leading TODAY.
I’m a fan of etymology. The English word ‘career’ comes from middle-ages French, carere — which was a circular racetrack. We get the word ‘careen’ from the same source. By contrast, ‘vocation’ comes from the Latin word ‘vocare,’ which means “calling” or “voice.” I advocate that you can go very fast in a career and not really go anywhere. Find the voice that you need to follow — and as you point out here, the voice for TODAY.
Very interesting stuff there, Glenn.