Since I was a child, I always felt that I had a purpose to be alive. Even at that age when I lacked all understanding about God, I felt there was a reason for my existence. Busy jobs and a busy life don't give too much space to wonder about those things. So, when I lost my job last year and with all the free time due to COVID lockdown, I started thinking more about my purpose in life.
Personal experiences and a change in lifestyle, led me to think how much I want to help others and do service work. However, sometimes it's not easy to figure out how to help. It's not just about donating money. It's not just about simply donating time. For me, it's about doing something that has a long-lasting effect in the lives of others.
Last Christmas, my husband gave me one of the most important books I have ever received, after the Bible. It's called "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat" by John Ortberg. In his book, Ortberg encourage us to consider the incredible potential that await us outside our comfort zones, pointing out that "water-walking requires not only the courage to take a risk, but also the wisdom to discern a call".
We are on a mission from God! We have a calling to serve God and others. But sometimes that call is not easy to hear. Discerning a calling requires one of the greatest challenges of self-exploration and judgment one can undertake. Frederick Buechner wrote that calling is “the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need”. This deep need is everywhere! But, do you know what brings you joy? Do you know where your deep gladness lies? What do you feel passionate about?
We are given certain gifts, talents, and desires. Some people hear their calling when they are very young. Such is the case of Carlo Acutis, creator of the virtual exhibition of the Eucharist Miracles of the world. Carlo placed the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the heart of his own life, and he called it “my highway to heaven”. Those around him considered him a "computer geek" on account of his passion and skill with computers and the internet. Acutis applied himself to creating a website dedicated to cataloguing each reported Eucharistic miracle in the world. He completed this in 2005, having started compiling the catalogue at the age of eleven.
Answering the questions about what brings us joy, what do we feel passionate about, and making a list of our gifts and limitations can help us discern what’s our mission or purpose in life. It won’t be easy and will take time. I’m still in the process of discerning my calling but, I understand that my salvation and worth as a person are not at stake in my job title.
Many saints didn’t hear their calling until they were old. Our mission might not be as impactful as our egos would like it to be. However, we can make a difference with small acts of kindness and by doing little things with great love. We can make the difference in this world by living a holy life.
Today I pray that you and I open our hearts to hear God’s calling. If you are still in the process of discerning your mission from God, I encourage you to don’t give up! I’m sure God will make His calling very clear when it’s time for you to get busy.
God bless you!
Peace, Love & Service
Laura W
To read more about Carlo Acutis and the virtual exhibition of the Eucharist Miracles of the world, visit http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/liste/list.html
Comments