If you'd asked me a few years ago about my vocation, I would have answered that it was simply the job I get paid to do, and those other things I love about my life - my family, being close to nature, the church were something else, without thinking about it too much - they were always there for me, part of my life and who I was, and gave me great comfort.
As part of my faith journey, increasingly that didn't sit too well with me, so I began to question myself - was it something to take for granted, something I just did, or was it Gods call to me in some way? Are these my true vocations - listening to what the world needs of me, taking what I love doing to help address the worlds needs in small ways every day - something that gives me a sense of purpose, of contribution to God's creation, and makes me feel alive. I think they are.
As one example of vocation for me, spending time outdoors close to nature, working within God's creation - helping to protect & restore our natural environment, getting others to volunteer their time and energy do the same - I've done it for years because it felt like the right thing to do, it gives me great comfort and satisfaction, so yes I believe it is a vocation that I was called to do.
I've also grappled with why I don't know all of the answers to what my true vocation(s) is, being a logical sort of person, and I liked the quote from Raine Maria Rilke who said "Live the questions for now. Perhaps then you will gradually, without noticing it, live your way into the answer, one distant day in the future" (which you'll find on page 12 of 'This Is Our Calling'). Makes me realize I don't need all of the answers.
Is it fine to have more than one vocation otherwise how do you reconcile your love, enthusiasm & positive energy for your family, the church and for me as well the world around us. I think it is.
This is my first post so I'd welcome in hearing what others thinks about vocation and how their own experiences resonate (or not)?
Hi Phillip,
I too was struck by the advice to "Live the questions for now..."
Thank you Philip - I particularly liked your remark about "help to address the world's needs in small ways every day" - that seems to me to go to the heart of what this module might be about.
That question you raised about multiple vocations - lots to think about there, I would love to hear what others think on this question?