Exploring the Call: an introduction to a series on vocation and service.

When observing a friend or coworker enjoying her craft have you ever heard the comment "I feel like I was made for this?" Or calculating his task with beautiful diligence, has someone ever told you "I'm in my element; I live for this stuff?" One time a friend discussed with me the decision to alter a pattern of her work and studies. She recounted that through the process she felt a great tension was lifted from her, because it was as if "she was no longer like a knife attempting to scoop up green peas, but a knife cutting a tender piece of steak. " This idea captures a beautiful truth that we know exists deep within the human soul; that humans long to fit into a purpose in life. The hunger is so deep within us that I would argue (I'm definitely not the first) that our nature has been designed to include it--a calling on our lives.

While I make preparations to embark on my journey to Bolivia, discussing vocation makes for a worthy subject. Addressing the process of answering "one's calling" in particular is central to what I'll explore as I live and serve in La Paz, Bolivia. The very prospect of celebrating service and participating in a community that revels in the power of Christ at work among the powerless rests on faith in the wisdom of God and God's supremacy in determining the steps of those who heed Divine instruction.

At the time of writing this introduction, the length and breath of this series remains open ended. My hope, though, is this: that I thoughtfully and succinctly address the most relevant topics to seeking to fulfill a vocational calling. In the posts that follow I wish to address the general themes that are associated with calling. I hope that the posts should include not only the thoughts and musings from my own worldview (that of a evangelical Christian), but also perspectives held by cultural and ideological persuasions that differ from my own. I will not claim to perfectly represent all positions on any matter, but as opportunities come I will include supplementary sources and perspectives as I'm inspired to share.

As of this post my about page is incomplete, so I will work in the coming days to also fully introduce myself, my interests, and any other information that will better facilitate a context for understanding my posts.

I will end on two thoughts: first exploring one's calling is not always easy. To take up the task of discerning one's role in the world and in your immediate community we know takes a great deal of effort, learning, and patience. Still the most important tasks entrusted to us are often the most difficult.

Second fulfilling our calling can be just as difficult. Appropriately a friend of mine quoted the famous words of Luther on this subject: Vocational Calling

Sometimes while navigating the arduous path when we finally feel we can make conclusions, we find that we realize that the lesson has just begun. And so, with an enduring patience and a love of beauty we must commit to reach our goal; to discover truth for our neighbor and ourselves. For it is in Truth that we know we find freedom. I'm excited that we begin this journey together.