When I was 13 I decided it was time I figured out what I would do with my life. I wanted to find my calling.
July 13
I should probably start thinking about what I want to be when I’m an adult. I know a lot of money is what I want. [ No one said my grammar was great then…or motives]
I want everyone to know who I am, but not get mobbed. I want to meet famous people. And I want it to have to do with music and concerts. Jobs that fit this description include DJ and back-up dancer. Of course there is always the option of becoming an interior decorator.
Perhaps you didn’t know at 13 what you wanted to be either. Perhaps you still don’t know. Our constant struggle is that we all know we were created for a purpose and if we don’t know what it is, we feel like we’re a failure in life. I encourage you to change your thinking if that is the case. God has a plan for your life, too.
Besides my blossoming DJ career never panning out, at least I was beginning to think about what I would “do with my life.” In the 7th grade, I became slightly more practical and decided I would become a TV news reporter after watching Fox News one night. Never mind I had braces, was painfully shy, and couldn’t even tell you who the Vice President was – I was sure it was my destiny.
Surprisingly, I held on to this dream throughout middle and high school and went off to college to major in Communications. Eventually, I even did end up at a few TV stations, at the time validating that this was God’s plan for my life – at least for the time being.
May 24
I decided I want to write a book one day. That or just publish this diary. For a while I am going to stop writing about the shallow areas of my life and instead write about my spiritual walk.
Although I wouldn’t have labeled it a calling the day I wrote that, somehow I was beginning to understand the concept of doing something with my life that had spiritual implications, instead of a job that would make me money or famous.
I already mentioned that in college I majored in Communications so I could become a reporter. I ended up working in that field for five years after school when eerily similar to my first epiphany, one night I was watching the news again when Robert Gibbs came on, former President Obama’s first White House Press Secretary. Although I really didn’t know anything about him personally, I decided I wanted to move to D.C to be a press secretary for a Member of Congress.
Fast forward a bit and I did become one. You can read more about that story in full detail in Learning to Surrender My Career to God.
Unlike my initial dreams of becoming a DJ or TV reporter, I considered this job part of my calling, but not my life purpose. It was more like a piece of a large puzzle that would eventually all make sense.
How to Find a Calling Instead of a Career
Many of us view our calling as something we want to do, something that will pay the bills and God will bless. For some people, it is a little flashier, but for others, it may just be living life day-to-day in His will that brings us our greatest purpose. Regardless of who you are, our real calling is to follow Christ with all our hearts, minds and souls.
There days we, especially women, have more options available to us than ever before. We can be a doctor, missionary, writer, or even President of the United States. While this may feel liberating, sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by all our choices too.
Practically speaking, there are a few ways to figure out what you should be “doing with your life” although, I’d caution you that it is not an exact science or magic formula. Ultimately, it’s God’s plans that will come to fruition, not just our desires. Our job is not to beg Him to give us what we want; it is to seek out His plan for our lives and pursue it with everything we’ve got.
Here we go.
1. What are you good at?
We call these gifts, talents, and abilities. Write down all the things you think you’re good at, no matter how obscure or pointless you think it is. (For instance, I like to think I’m OK at writing, pretty good at budgeting, and excellent at making tacos.)
Then ask others what they think you are good at. Sometimes we want something so bad we are blind to our real talents and strengths.
Remember, God has given you abilities that are special and unique for YOU.
2. What are you passionate about?
Are you passionate about a certain political cause, kids, international development, music, or something else? What do you care about the most or what issues are most important to you? Write down what you are willing to fight for. These are your true passions.
For me, God gave me a passion for women trying to figure out how to apply their faith to real life.
3. Who are you?
Here is where you brainstorm what makes you…you. How did you grow up? What is your personality like and what careers best suit it? Do you believe in God? What do you believe in? What is your day-to-day life like?
Notice any themes from all three sections in your own lists? Any places items from all three lists cross? Chances are you’re beginning to understand your calling. Maybe you just realized you want to run for public office someday, or maybe you want to be a stay-at-home mom. In an upcoming post, I will talk about how to take what we think is our calling and put it through a “biblical filter” to discern if it may be God’s will or not.
Unlike my initial dreams of becoming a DJ or TV reporter, I considered this job part of my calling, but not my life purpose. It was more like a piece of a large puzzle that would eventually all make sense.
The True Meaning of Calling
Many of us view our calling as something we want to do, something that will pay the bills and God will bless. For some people, it is a little flashier, but for others, it may just be living life day-to-day in His will that brings us our greatest purpose. Regardless of who you are, our real calling is to follow Christ with all our hearts, minds, and souls.
There days we have more options available to us than ever before. We can be a doctor, missionary, writer, or even President of the United States. While this may feel liberating, sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by all our choices too.
Practically speaking, there are a few ways to figure out what you should be “doing with your life” although, I’d caution you that it is not an exact science or magic formula. Ultimately, it’s God’s plans that will come to fruition, not just our desires. Our job is not to beg Him to give us what we want; it is to seek out His plan for our lives and pursue it with everything we’ve got.
Here we go.
1. What are you good at?
We call these gifts, talents, and abilities. Write down all the things you think you’re good at, no matter how obscure or pointless you think it is. (For instance, I like to think I’m OK at writing, pretty good at budgeting and excellent at making tacos.)
Then ask others what they think you are good at. Sometimes we want something so bad we are blind to our real talents and strengths.
Remember, God has given you abilities that are special and unique for YOU.
2. What are you passionate about?
Are you passionate about a certain political cause, kids, international development, music, or something else? What do you care about the most or what issues are most important to you? Write down what you are willing to fight for. These are your true passions.
For me, God gave me a passion for women trying to figure out how to apply their faith to real life.
3. Who are you?
Here is where you brainstorm what makes you…you. How did you grow up? What is your personality like and what careers best suit it? Do you believe in God? What do you believe in? What is your day-to-day life like?
Notice any themes from all three sections in your own lists? Any places items from all three lists cross? Chances are you’re beginning to understand your calling. Maybe you just realized you want to run for public office someday, or maybe you want to be a stay-at-home mom. In an upcoming post, I will talk about how to take what we think is our calling and put it through a “biblical filter” to discern if it may be God’s will or not.
Putting it All Together: Find Your Calling
If we truly want to know God’s plan for our lives, we must first be willing to surrender it to Him. That includes all jobs, ambitions, and desires. I remember when this thought first struck me. Was I willing to give up all my claims to these and instead, accept whatever God had for me? What if God wanted me to become a missionary? Or what if He called me to a boring career where I would make no money? The irony is the more tightly we hold on to “our career” and don’t allow God to work, the more difficult we are to make things for ourselves.
God knows what’s best. Do you trust Him? I understand that what’s on the other side may scare you. But if we are following Him, He will prepare us for His plan and change our hearts to joyfully accept it.
So where did I end up? Obviously not as a DJ or backup dancer (SAD!). Since I first thought about my calling I’ve been an ice cream scooper, campground bathroom cleaner, reporter, Communications Director for a Member of Congress, and writer.
Where do my talents, passions, and personality intersect? I believe in writing about my faith to help other women become the women THEY were meant to be. I’m still not sure what that looks like but then again God’s not done with me yet.
Did you realize something you didn’t about your calling before? Did you find your calling?
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I love these 3 steps. Too many people are living lives of quiet desperation, not being aligned with their calling (or God). The one thing I would add is that it is possible to not have just one calling throughout life. Keep praying and listening. I was a dental office manager for years and then felt called to become a life coach and counselor. It’s okay to shift gears when you are pulled in a different direction.
Yes – totally agree! You can have multiple callings in life!
I am currently trying to figure out what God wants me to do with my life. I have a few different paths to travel down at the moment, and currently I’m going down all of them. It’s exhausting but I KNOW I’m suppose to be on all of them. Thank you for the reminder to do Gods will above my own.
Good luck, Lauren! I know God will lead you there.
Loved this post! I can’t wait for the follow up. God has been doing strange things in my life lately and I feel that my calling will be changing in the near future.
I’ve been there and i still think i am there …. trying to find my purpose. I recently quit my day job to freelance and i am feeling more alive that i have ever been. It was such a drag working in a office , building someone else’s dream when i knew deep down i have what it takes to make it on my own and so i did and its been going great. Sometimes it can be intimidating because i am introvert but i keep surprising myself.
Sue – if you know that’s your calling it makes it so much easier. Good luck!
Sarah, I love this. So spot on! Sharing all over. <3
Thanks, Summer! I really appreciate that.
Figuring out my calling has been a challenge for me – I wish I’d seriously considered what I want to do with my life when I was 13! I’ve always wanted to write, but I struggle with WHAT I’m supposed to write – I have so many ideas, but I struggle with deciding with God wants me to be writing and what will fulfill me.
I’ve lost touch with my spiritual path lately, so this was a good read for me. Definitely food for thought.
Nicole, thank you for reading and your thoughts. Sometimes we have many callings in life so you may just be in the middle of one now. As long as you are following Him you will be on the right path 🙂
You’ve made a difficult and tricky topic clear and easy to manage! Thank you! I work with people in my job all of the time who face this challenge and this post is going to be a resource from now on!
Courtney – that is so sweet! I am humbled that it is helpful. Thanks for reading too
“Who are you?” Is such a complicated question sometimes. I’m still trying to figure out my calling but I’m feel in pretty close 🙂
haha it really is! Good luck, Sam!
You are spot on! Great advice here!
Thank you! These things are so important to keep in mind! Though, I will say that it’s much easier said than done! I’m in that phase right now of trying to align who I am with my passions and where I feel I can serve best in this world, but there’s several avenues to take! Guess that’s where trusting God comes in 🙂
Exactly! And remember, you may have several callings in life! Good luck, Megan!
Every few years I go through those steps, and figure something out but am too scared to pursue it.
I have decided quite recently though that I don’t want to be famous, I don’t want to be rich, and I don’t really care if people know who I am. I want a simple life with happiness and god in my heart.
Thank you for sharing!
xx Angela
A simple life with God in our heart – it can’t get better than that!
Loved reading this. What an interesting life you have led. 😉
Thank you so much for all of your points- This resonates with me so much. I’ve recently done a few major changes in my life, and finally I am doing something I love, it is the beginning though but it’s still scary. This helps a lot. x
Keep going, Peta! Good luck!
This is beautiful and motivating. I just wish you wrote this before when I was looking for my calling. Haha. Hope those who are searching will find this.
Lux – hey the important part is that you found it!
I like your steps to finding your calling. It’s also so important to differentiate between your job and your calling. Thanks for sharing!
Rae Mindful Rambles
Yes – exactly Rae!
This sounds old fashion but I always just wanted to be a wife and mother. Funny now how I have turned this into a business now that the children are all grown. Never know where life where lead you.
That’s awesome that you were/are able to do both, Candy!
AHHH!! Legit got the warm and fuzzies reading your diary excerpts! haha love it! and all great points you mention!
haha embarrassing for sure… 🙂
This a greatvarticle. I just recently started thinking about what my calling is. My sister committed suicide in 2015 and it completely shattered my world. She was my best friend and I couldn’t understand why she left me. She also had a fiance and 2 sons and my 3 daughters. I knew why, technically, but I couldn’t understand why no one could help her get past her underlying issues. I read more and more about 13 and 14 year old children killing themselves and it breaks my heart. I want to speak at high schools about teen suicide and mental health in general. The public school system doesn’t have the funds to hire full time mental health professionals. I want to change that. If we can help these kids at a young age, who knows, maybe the amount of suicides, at all ages, could decrease. I might be a crazy dream but I intend to follow it. I couldn’t save my sister but maybe I can save or help someone else.
Connie, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine. I think it is amazing that you are taking that experience to help others though. I hope you do get to help many many young people work through it!
This post rings true for me for sure! I also had a journal growing up and was certain that I’d get famous by publishing it someday. I realized when I was a little older that I’d have to offer people something more than just a straight retelling of my day-to-day life if I wanted them to read my book! Then I went to college to become a singer/songwriter, before realizing that while it was something that I greatly enjoyed, it was not meant to be my full-time profession–that took the fun out of it for me. Next, I got a couple of degrees in social science research before realizing that I still needed creativity to be a huge part of my life. I’m so happy to have found my way back to the career that I dreamed I’d have when I was in elementary school–writing! (And about my own life, much of the time!)
Robin, so cool you came full circle! Sometimes its our initial instinct that is correct all along.
You have such a cool story, Sarah! I’ve known my calling was to be a writer since I was in the fourth grade, but I did step away from it for a long time. I’ve been a hostess, a retail manageer, a paralegal, and ran my own crafting business since then, but now I’m back and couldn’t be happier!
Woohoo, welcome back, Angie!
A great post. For some people they never get their calling. For other when they do they don’t know what to do about it. xx
Isn’t it interesting sometimes, the way things come together?
I still can’t decide on my calling. I love so many different things, but none of them will ever make me any money… Maybe not even a living wage. I have to pay bills… Blah. So I go to school for a while, then decide I’m not sure what I want to be and I take a break, and then I get the itch to go back because education is important, but I still feel too aimless.
Thanks for the advice.
Angie – it can definitely feel like a rollercoaster at times!
it’s a funny trip to find what it is you’re meant to do, love the title (:
Great post! I too majored in journalism and was a newspaper editor/photographer for 10 years before deciding that what I really wanted to do was help people in a more tangible way. So, I left my good-paying career, and as a newly divorced single mom, returned to school and became an RN. It was a long, hard road, but I’m so glad I persisted. I have been a nurse for six years now and am currently a labor and delivery nurse. I really feel like this is my calling and it’s so humbling and rewarding to be a part of such a special part of a family’s life in the manner I am.
What an AWESOME way to actually explore calling in both a practical, meaningful way. I lovelovelove this post girlfriend!! Sharing it out ASAP!
Coming Up Roses
Thanks, Erica!
Isn’t it interesting the vast differences of a career life. I could really relate to the bit about not wanting to let go of the control of what I was doing. If I did surrender to God he would ask horrifically hard things of me. Yet as I have matured in my faith and have learned to surrender that control. I too have had a varied journey of careers, but God has been faithful through it all. Thank you for sharing your story, it is encouraging.
Thank you, Suzy! I’m sure many many people have stories of varied careers. 🙂 I think what God is doing through us is definitely more important. 🙂