"We Are Summoned by Life"

A vocation is a calling. A vocation is not a career. Choosing a career has to do with advancement, financial and psychological benefits. As a pastor, my sense of call meant that I had little choice in the matter. The work week, the financial benefits, the honors, the headaches – none were at the top of my agenda. My feeling was that the ministry was something God wanted me to do. I could not escape it.

In 1896, Albert Schweitzer read this verse in his Bible, “Whosoever would save his life shall lose it and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall save it.”  He knew that he was called to be a medical missionary. He gave up a promising musical career as an organist in order to become a jungle doctor in Africa.

Schweitzer wrote, “Anybody who proposes to do good must not expect people to roll any stones out of his way, and must calmly accept his lot even if they roll a few more onto it. Only force that in the face of obstacles becomes stronger can win.”

Thankfully, millions of people have responded to God’s nudge to pursue a vocation. It is not about the pursuit of happiness. It is not about fulfilling our desires. It is to feel the joy of having one’s values in harmony with one’s behavior. That enables people, even in the toughest days, to banish weariness.

Summary? We don’t create our lives as much as we are summoned by life and God’s grace.

Blessings!