Thursday, February 9, 2017
A Calling
Paul Kalanithi said, " Putting lifestyle first is how you find a job---not a calling." Lifestyle would include, pay, hours, work environment and might include city where you live. I had all of that at one time. I lived in a popular city, with good hours, environment and pay and housing. But I did not feel called to the work. Moreover, I was looking for a calling even if I could not use use that word. Some people use the word, "Vocation," but for me that is too churchy or religious. Calling can be something that a broad range of people seek. I would ask questions such as, "What is the meaning of my life?" "Why am I here at this time in this place?" People who seemed satisfied with lifestyle were not asking this question. Some might have been stuck in situations due to previous decisions. I think that I have found my calling, at least for the now, which is all I have. I make little money, have little control over my living situation, own a 25 year old car, but seem to feel that I am doing what is my calling, teaching about contemplative prayer to a small audience who seek me in their spiritual search. And I write this blog daily too. I am in San Francisco now where I just finished teaching two sessions, one with eight people and the other with four. Maybe I am delusional about my calling in my field of teaching. Ever hopeful! I have no regrets about giving up lifestyle. Well, some regrets about the 25 year old car.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Lifestyle is a good word to describe the way people live.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping you are scheduling summer talks in Snowmass. I'm calling.
ReplyDeleteGiving and receiving Spiritual Direction is gratifying
ReplyDelete