Most of us have been taught that anything is possible. Even when we are in a perilous place, we still believe that anything is possible. So, all of us have a calling in life. Some people are led to be in the medical field perhaps as an LPN, RN, nurse practitioner or doctor, whereas others are called into the teaching profession, the hospitality industry and many other careers and paths. The question I pose to you today is: what is your calling in life? There are many who do not know and so they bounce around all through life not knowing what God has called them to do.
There is a great story in the Bible about Moses the shepherd. When God called Moses to a position of leadership, he asked him what he was holding in his hand. Moses raised up his staff that he used each day to lead and protect his sheep. However, God had a different plan and purpose and enabled Moses to use the staff for some extraordinary and miraculous things. The Bible says Moses used his staff to part the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through on dry land, safely escaping from their oppressor.
It is interesting how God can take the simplest things in life and use them for the good of others. There may come a time in your life when God might pose a similar question to you. When he does, he wants you to think about your talents, experiences, relationships, education, resources, your mind and your temperament.
Psychologist and author Dr. Martin Seligman talks about what he calls “our signature strengths.” He said they fall into six categories:
- Wisdom and knowledge. These include things like curiosity, love of learning, sound judgment, and social intelligence.
- This includes perseverance and integrity.
- The capacity for kindness and the ability to express mercy.
- The ability to bring about fairness and leadership.
- Qualities like self-control, prudence, and humility.
- An appreciation for beauty, the expression of gratitude, the ability to hope, and the capacity for joy.
We all have the capacity for each of these strengths, but the ones that resonate most deeply within you are your “signature strengths.” Once you identify these, you begin to understand your calling. Remember, with God anything is possible. Just have faith and believe. In this upcoming new year 2021 discover your “signature strengths” and use them to benefit self, family, and others. Happy New Year and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up.
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
