Calling? What calling?
Have you figured out what the one thing is that makes you you? There are so many things we (humans) have in common, but what is the one thing that makes you uniquely you? I suppose a good way to rephrase that question is: Who are you? Or maybe: Who are you meant to be?
I wonder whether answering that question might get easier - because, let's face it, it's a really tough question to answer - if we know what our reason for being alive is. To phrase it slightly differently: What is the one thing that needs doing/saying that only you can do/say - no one else - and if that thing is not done/said the world will be a worse place for it? What do you think yours is?
In Christian circles you may hear people describing this as "God's calling on your life" or something along those lines. Some of us may call it our reason for living, or our purpose for being. We can often see it as JUST one thing, and when that thing is done/said, we can peacefully slip away into nothingness, knowing we have accomplished our life's work.
But I think there is more to life than merely one thing, no matter how big or small it may be. I don't think there will ever only be ONE specific thing that any of us were born for. Every day holds 24 hours in which we can do life-changing good (or evil...) that becomes days, weeks, months, years, decades of remarkable living.
Even the Bible is somewhat vague about a person's "life's calling." Here are a couple of examples of verses I think is applicable to all of us:
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Proverbs 31:8-9 - "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Do everything in love."
2 Timothy 1:9 - "He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Even Jesus boiled down all the Jewish laws into two lines: Love God, and love whomever is near you.
It might seem pretty vague, but that is what makes these verses applicable everywhere for everyone in every situation. They aren't so much rules or commands as they are principles to live by; principles that should govern what we do and how we do it. Principles that, if followed, will make the world a better place. Vague principles. Beautifully simple and vague. Vague, but significant. Vague, but relevant. Vague, but unimaginably powerful.
Maybe you know what the one thing is you were born for, and you are working hard to achieve or accomplish it. Maybe, like me, the specific details of your calling isn't clear just yet and you're trying to figure that out. Luckily all of us, no matter our calling, can get on and act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God no matter where we are or what we do.
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