Calling, Direction, Vocation

Working out what to do in life might be easier than you think.

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I know for many, the events of the last year have caused you to reflect on some of those bigger life questions like, ‘where should I spend the majority of my time?’; ‘where can I have most impact for the Kingdom?’, ‘am I fulfilled in my job?’, ‘am I heading in the right direction?’ 

These are healthy things to ask ourselves, but often the normal busyness of life doesn’t give us a lot of space to reflect. That’s why, even in the midst of the tragedy and disruption, the pandemic and lockdown has actually been helpful to either reinforce that we are on the right track with where we’re spending the majority of our time, or have enabled us to imagine a new trajectory.

That’s why I thought it would be a good topic of conversation to bring to Katrina Douglas earlier this year. Katrina calls herself the ‘Launch Strategist’ because she helps people launch new businesses. I thought we could glean some wisdom and insight from Katrina’s own experience of coaching people as they begin new initiatives.

There were 3 things in my conversation with Katrina that particularly stood out to me:

1.TRUST THE PROCESS

Katrina quoted Martin Luther King Jr who said: ‘God never reveals the whole staircase, but always reveals the next step’. That’s such a powerful encouragement isn’t it? We so often want the whole thing mapped out. Especially if like me, you like to plan. But often God will only show us a little piece at a time. 

Being shown a little piece at a time or the next step means that you will have a passion for something, or a fresh idea, or you find yourself thinking a lot about a new direction and you find you want to bring it up in conversation. You don’t know where it will end up, you don’t know how to get there, but you feel it’s the start of something and you are clear about one or two things in front of you. There’s that Proverb, ‘in our hearts we plan our course, but the Lord determines our steps’ (Prob 16.9). Trust the process of God directing you and leading you.

2.LEAN INTO YOUR IDENTITY

Another striking thing I took away from my conversation with Katrina was about identity. When we’ve been working in a particular world or have been spending our time doing something for a while we begin to find our identity in that thing. As a result we can feel a bit fearful or disorientated if we think about making a change and stepping out into new opportunities.

After leading a church for 11 years and moving out of parish ministry this summer I would say it’s definitely been disorientating. It’s a great reminder that I’m not what I do. I’m not my job or my title. It’s during these times that we have another opportunity to lean into our identity as children of God. Why not take a look at what the bible says about you. Remind yourself of who you are in Christ, and as you do that, I know there is fresh courage and freedom to be found.

3.JUST BE YOU

Katrina also encourages us to lean into our strengths and think about our own unique shape. This is so important to do any way. I love all those personality type indicators or strengths finders, or colour profiles. These tools help us to understand more of our own unique God given shape. When we understand more about our preferences, the way we relate and recharge and process information it helps us to lean into the things we enjoy even more. That’s why Katrina says: ‘…an apple tree bears apples … it's in its DNA. So who you were meant to be is in you. And it will begin to … come forth as you allow it to’. Why not keep a journal and note key verses that have been really important to you. Notice where your heart has been rising and what you find yourself praying about. Look back to your previous experiences and see if you can prayerfully reflect on your shape.

As we do these things we can be sure to transition well into the things that God is giving us to steward during our short time here on earth. We realise that God doesn’t revolve around us and our plans, but that he invites us to follow him each step of the way, and as we do that we find we become more and more free to love and serve God more and more, because we know that ‘all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’ (Romans 8.28).