With the pandemic seemingly upending what was once normal and with unknown changes on the way, just how do we understand God’s purpose for our lives?
A short reflection on the “go” of God amidst the storm…
One of my favourite theologians (well I am slightly exaggerating in saying this, more like a theologian I am a wee bit familiar with) is Fredrick Buechner. An American Presbyterian who for decades now has inspired people in their understanding of God’s “crazy holy grace” that sustains all of us.
And, when it comes to everyday people like you and me (and maybe Mr Buechner himself) knowing who we are, knowing where we are going, knowing what we bring to the world by way of our “purpose” or in religious terms, knowing what our “vocation” in life is, really matters.
Here’s what Fredrick says regarding knowing our purpose in life, in knowing God’s purpose in our life you might say…
“The place God calls you to, is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Read that again, slowly…
“The place God calls you to, is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Where your deep gladness,
Teaching, nursing, administrating, peace building, preaching, learning, growing, sharing, child rearing, neighbouring, the list goes on and on and on.
Meets the world’s deep hunger for,
Education, health care, management, peace building, Christian formation, caring, loving, sharing and the list goes on and on and on.
Somehow (and I confess the journey is not always easy) the “go” of God…is where the mysteries of faith and our own precious stories meet.
I know. Easy to say. More difficult to practice such hope and purpose when life’s storms seem (presently anyway) to be never ending.
What if the “go” of God is in discerning pragmatically and faithfully; actions and pathways that seek to answer Buechner’s two queries? Storm or no storm.
“What brings gladness to my life?”
And…
“Does this gladness help others?”
May the Lord be with you.
(Picture courtesy of @savbrown.)
Wee Pilgrim 