Vocation, Vocation, Vocation
Sometimes responding to vocation means making changes. In his late 30s, Jon decided that he could no longer carry on with the IT job he had done at the County Council for 12 years. He was earning decent money that funded travelling which he was passionate about, he worked flexi-time, could cycle to work … lots of things about his job were really good. But he really felt it wasnt the best way to use his life. He knew he wanted to do something where he felt like he would be giving back to society and making a difference. He had looked a few times into training to be a paramedic but it always seemed out of reach because of the academic qualifications required, the cost of training etc. Instead he started volunteering for St John Ambulance. Six months later he has a full time job doing patient transport, with the aim of becoming a paramedic. He has a lot less money than he did before, he works long hours and encounters all sorts of challenging situations. He works really hard at the job, and still does his volunteering, and does as much training as he can access. None of it fell into his lap and he has worked hard to make it happen, but Jon says it is worth it and that he loves the work he is doing. Its so rewarding he says when you can make a stressful day for a patient just that bit easier.
Resource
Talking about vocation and calling is one of the main ways that we can encourage one another to think about what God is calling us to, what sort of presence God is asking us to be in the world. It can be tricky to start conversations like these, so the Vocations team have developed a pack of conversation starters. These questions about vocation are available free by contacting Angela Bruno or you will be able to pick them up at the Vocation Location at the Cathedral on the 20th May.
Vocation Prayer
Father, I know you love me and have plans for me.
But sometimes I am overwhelmed by the thought of my future.
Show me how to walk forward one day at a time.
May I take heart while I search openly, learn all about the choices,
listen to others for advice, and pay attention to my own feelings.
By doing these things, may I hear your call to live a life that will let me love as only I can,
and allow me to serve others with the special gifts you have given me.
I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen