Vocational Well-being

Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

We all have a calling – a vocation – to follow Christ’s example, living a life of meaning, purpose and service to our neighbor. Our vocations are our life’ s work and passions – our everyday roles through which God calls us to help make this world a better place. Those who are well vocationally are faithful stewards of their talents and abilities, and find opportunities to build and use them.

When I chose nursing as a career, I can’t say that it was really a felt calling or purpose but rather a process of elimination. It was the early ‘60s, and I knew that I didn’t want to be a teacher or secretary, so by default it was nursing. What I found was that I loved nursing from day one and my passion continued to develop. Throughout my career I never thought of doing anything else. It just “fit” and my sense of God leading and guiding me along my journey continued as the years went by. I never questioned whether this was really where I belonged.

In the movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” Gene Holland speaks to one of his high school students, Gertrude Lang, and tells her that she has to play the clarinet from her heart and not her just her fingers and head. That inspired her and gave her confidence to continue with her music. Thirty years later she became a governor and spoke at his retirement. Like Gene Holland, we can assist and support others as they deliberate as to what they should be doing with their lives.

There may be points in life that just don’t seem to fit and we are required to ponder whether we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. Is this God’s plan or is it our intention? If we listen in faith with both our head and our heart, the answer will be provided.

May we all strive for intentionality in what we are called to do and listen carefully and prayerfully for God’s voice in deciding what our vocation is, even in our everyday roles, as we serve others in making our world a better place.

Carol Swenson
Wellness Task Force Member

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