A call is merely a compass…
A call is not a destination…it’s a compass.
Don’t ask where I got that. After doing a lot of reading, studying and reflecting over the holidays, the concept hit me like a train. And, I’ll preface this post by saying that it’s my own reminder to me…I only hope it helps someone else along the way…
You see, I’d like to think I’m not the only one who spends far too much time wondering what is next in life. It’s funny, because the future is something in life that is not guaranteed. Don’t get me wrong. Daydreaming is totally cool. For me, it’s sometimes welcome escapism.
But here’s the deal…what if life isn’t about what’s next? What if it’s not about where you’re going? What if it’s more about why you’re headed in a certain direction?
Would that change how you approach your life? Because the concept is definitely turning my life upside down.
After all, is there really ever a destination in life? Seriously, even if you find a destination, don’t you quickly find a new one to run toward anyway?
Maybe you’ve discovered that burning thing inside of you…maybe not…but it doesn’t matter.
Do you really think you’re done once you figure that out? Of course not. That burning thing simply gives you purpose, passion and direction…not THE answer.
So, why then do we spend so much time stressing about it? You know what’s inside of you. What’s stopping you from running with what you know so far? You’ll learn as you go…every step of the way. If you just start moving, the compass will continue to direct you. And, a compass never stops pointing in a given direction…you only know you’re going in the right direction.
Turning a call into a destination only adds stress, grows ego and leaves you feeling empty. (Can you hear me convincing myself here?!)
Realize. Reframe. Repeat. Remember.
A call is not a destination…it’s a compass.
You are so right on, Dawn! This is something I am learning slowly but surely. It's the whole idea of seasons. I'm not sure that our calling necessarily changes, it just looks different, leads us to different stops along the way. I think if we seek God and his will for our lives (and obey it of course – that's the hard part) we'll end up where he wants us to at the time he wants us to be there.
Thanks for sharing! Yes…I believe a call is a call…no change in it…but it's your true north! The stops along the way are simply points where you can look out and check the view…Thanks again!
Love it!!!
As someone who is working through my own later-in-life call to ministry right now, this post was a precious find. Your idea slides in neatly next to so many that have been forming in my own head lately, as I think about whys and wherefores and how I came to be on this journey. Thank you for so neatly encapsulating a wonderful idea.
Shawn, I’ll be praying for you and you’re call as well…I’d love to hear more about your journey sometime. Grace and peace…
Shawn, I'm honored that you'd take the time to read this…and encouraged to hear about your journey…I'll be praying for you!