postlude [9.4.07]

“The calling on my life is…”

For many of us, the word or thought of a ‘calling’ is a bit elusive. At best, confusing. For those of us who live in the southern United States, we’re surround by vocational ministry, or “professional Christians”. Having said that, it’s easy to think that a ‘calling’ is – in some way – vocational.

When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, as well, when He called James and John, the ‘calling’ was more of an invitation into relationship and friendship, rather than a solicitation for employment.

If a ‘calling’ is an invitation into relationship with Jesus, then, is it really connected with how we make a living? Or, is it more the way in which we live our life?

Like the love of Jesus, isn’t His calling to us also unconditional? In some ways, is it possible that vocational ministry simpler, more cut and dry? Maybe; maybe not. For those of us who are not working in the context of vocational ministry, don’t fall prey to the notion that our responsibility to minister in our every day life isn’t less? It reminds me of what my mom used to say “bloom where you are planted”.

We are called to relationship both with God and with each other. This is our calling. This is our life together. This is The Way.

Lord, help us break out of the forms of what we call church, community and relationship with your Son and relationship with one another. Help us, Lord.