I've been thinking about this for some time now: what is "God's will" for our lives, or what is "our calling." So often it sounds far-off, and long-term or permanent. Why can't God's will, or my calling for that matter, be temporary? I wondered that when I quit teaching; I assumed that if I was truly called into education then that's what I was supposed to do for life. (Aren't I teaching now? I teach constantly! "Addie, that's a pumpkin." "That sound is an airplane.") Then I read an article that touched on this, and today we talked about it for a minute in our Sunday School lesson, so now it's on my mind... Don't we have multiple callings in life???
Take my mom for example. She is a gifted educator. I don't know very many others who could work for so long with preschool special ed and not lose their touch. That is one of her callings. She is also our Mama. She get's multiple phone calls each week seeking advice on everything from should I take my child to the doctor to what kind of cleaner do you use on your new counter tops. She came to help me pack our house 3 years ago when we moved to Pensacola. She is also a daughter. Mom takes care of, listens to, shops for, and often has to ignore my crazy, ailing Tutu. She helps lead a young adult Sunday school class, hoping to grow that population in their small church and looking forward to mentoring young couples. Most of all my mom is a wife. That is certainly a calling! She has given up all sorts of things for the sake of my dad's job. She's is supportive and loyal and loving. If we asked my mom what her calling is, her answer might depend on what she's doing and who she's focusing on that day.
I guess what I'm saying is, what is your calling today? This week? This season in your life? Several years ago it became clear to me that God has blessed me with husband who is a minister. (I know that sounds obvious, but it took some banging my head against the wall for me to get exactly what that entails.) This means that Brad is not mine alone, and our plans for our family, like all followers of Him, are not really ours to make. As a part of that, I feel that I'm called to be Brad's supporter and encourager. When he feels led to do something and go somewhere, God showed me that I am to pray for Brad, talk through changes and plans, and to be open to whatever. Now please understand: this does not come easy for me! I am a planner by nature; I like timelines and concrete calendars. The Holy Spirit is making me available and willing to face this new adventure. I am "called" to be open to squeezing into a tiny rental. I am "called" to make the transition as easy as possible for Addison. I am "called" to make this move as easy as possible for Brad, not making him feel guilty or wrong for wanting to follow the dreams God gave him. For the past year or so I have been so blessed by friends who have ministered to me almost constantly. Perhaps this move is to put me in a place to do some ministering to others? I guess that starts with my family.
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