Vocation is an old school word.
I challenge that we have moved from vocation’s traditional definition of ‘Godly people called to religious occupations’ to its evolving definition, work that is personally and spiritually meaningful, allowing us to use our gifts.
In his book, ‘A Search for Solitude: Pursuing the Monk’s True Life’ Thomas Merton said,
“I am obscurely convinced that there is a need in the world for something I can provide and that there is a need for me to provide it. True, someone else can do it, God does not need me. But I feel he is asking me to provide it.”
Finding vocation involves asking oneself, deep questions beyond conventional career planning e.g.
- “Who am I and Whose am I?” – D. Bonheoffer
- “Is the life I am living, the life which wants to be lived in me?” – P. Palmer
- “How can my deepest hunger intersect with a world need?” – F. Buechner
In a personal recipe–solitude, prayer, companionship, mentorship, spiritual direction and deeper career counseling are ways of pursuing your personal response to these questions.
TODAY…
A gift is a special talent—where skill, aptitude and passion intersect. What are your gifts? Ask a friend or coworker what they think your gifts are.
Thomas Bachhuber, Ed.D.
President of the Board and Executive Director for The Center for Life Transitions. Tom is responsible for overall Center leadership and strategy. His individual coaching/counseling as well as workshops and retreats focus on integrating leading career development ideas with spiritual exploration. Read more.