Chapter The Concept of Calling

Finding purpose in the ordinary

Dearest Friend,

I was thinking about you the other day, and specifically about a conversation we had about finding your "calling." You were feeling a bit lost, unsure of your purpose, and I felt a pang of recognition, because I've been there too. It's a question that seems to linger, a persistent whisper in the back of our minds: "What am I meant to do?"

I've come to believe that our calling isn't always something grandiose, a singular, life-altering event or revelation. Sometimes, it's woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, in the ordinary tasks we take for granted. It's in the way we listen to someone's story, the care we take in preparing a meal, the patience we offer in a moment of frustration.

You know, I used to think that "calling" was reserved for the great saints, the artists who transformed the world with their creations, the leaders who sparked revolutions. But then I realized, what if every act, no matter how small, could be infused with a sense of meaning? What if the way we wash dishes, or mend a shirt, or write a letter could be an offering, a small act of love that speaks to something larger than ourselves?

There's a beautiful passage in the Bible that talks about the interconnectedness of all things. It says that "in Christ, all things hold together." It's a reminder that even the smallest act, even the act of simply existing, is connected to something bigger than ourselves. It's a way of seeing the divine in the ordinary, recognizing the sacredness of every moment, every task.

I'm not saying it's always easy to see the divine in the mundane. There are days when the chores feel endless, when the world feels heavy and the tasks seem insignificant. But even then, I try to remember that there's a deeper meaning to be found, a connection to something greater. It's a matter of opening our hearts and minds, of seeking the sacred in the ordinary, in the way we live each day.

So, my friend, maybe your calling isn't about some grand, singular purpose, but rather about finding meaning in the everyday. Maybe it's about finding the divine in the simple act of preparing a meal, or tending to your garden, or simply being present with someone who needs a listening ear. Maybe it's about discovering the beauty in the ordinary, and recognizing the profound interconnectedness of all things.

I hope you find your peace, your purpose, in the everyday. And I hope you find the joy of knowing that even in the seemingly insignificant moments, you are living out your calling, offering a piece of your heart to the world.

Your friend.

As we navigate life's journey, perhaps the greatest calling is simply to be fully present, to engage with the world around us with open hearts and open minds, and to find the sacred in the ordinary. What do you find meaningful in your day-to-day life?