Reflection: What is your calling?
- John Scoble
- Dec 8, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 26
This video challenges you to reflect on what God is calling you to do at this stage of your life.
Life has a habit of throwing curveballs just when we think we’ve figured out the rules of the game. One minute the waters are calm, the next you’re navigating storms you never saw coming. Forest Gump wasn’t wrong when he quipped that life is like a box of chocolates - you really never know what you’re going to get.
We face shifting seasons in health, relationships, work, recreation, and even our understanding of the Divine. Priorities change, and they should.
But how do we make sense of it all?
How do we steer our ship when the map seems unclear?
What Francis of Assisi Knew
When Francis of Assisi was dying, he told his companions, “I have done what was mine to do. May Christ teach you what you are to do.” His words were not just a farewell, but a compass. Each of us is called to discern what is uniquely ours - a special gift and contribution that no one else can carry in quite the same way.
It is not enough to float along on autopilot or keep dancing to someone else’s tune. To live fully, we need to ask the deeper question: What is God calling me to do in this stage of my life?
The Foundation: Self-Awareness and Humility
Discerning a calling isn’t about chasing someone else’s dream. It begins with honest self-examination. What are your values? Your strengths and weaknesses? Where have your experiences shaped you to offer something distinct? This requires humility - the courage to see yourself clearly, both the light and the shadow.
And yes, it requires prayer. Ask God for guidance. Pay attention to nudges that don’t come with flashing neon signs but with quiet persistence.
Dream Big, Act Wisely
Clarifying your mission means daring to dream big. For some, the call is clear: to partner, to parent, to teach, to care, to build, to create, to advocate. For others, it comes in pieces - a thread here, a door opening there.
Take action that aligns with your mission. Spend your energy on what breathes life into you and into others. Trust that when you move with intention, unexpected doors will open.
Staying True in a Messy World
Calling doesn’t always glide smoothly. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser was blunt: “Life wasn’t meant to be easy.” And he was right. A health setback may suddenly rise to the top of your priorities. The needs of a friend or family member may demand everything you’ve got. That doesn’t mean your calling vanishes - it means the shape of your service adjusts.
Keep watch for dissonance between your values and your actions. If something feels off, pay attention. Realignment is part of the journey.
The Great Reward
The fruit of living into your calling isn’t fame or ease. It’s joy - the deep kind that persists even when circumstances wobble. It’s the quiet satisfaction of knowing you are moving in tune with what is yours to do.
A Challenge for You
So here’s the question to sit with today: What is God calling you to do at this stage of your life?
Not yesterday. Not in the abstract future. But right here, in this moment, with the gifts, scars, and opportunities you carry.
Because in the end, the real calling is to live awake, to live aligned, and to live with courage.
FAQs: Reflection - What Is Your Calling?
What does it mean to have a spiritual calling?
A spiritual calling is not just a job title or a hobby. It is a sense of purpose that aligns your deepest values with how you live. For some, it looks like teaching or caregiving. For others, it may be creative work, advocacy, or simply showing up in everyday relationships with presence and love. Research shows that people who report a strong sense of purpose experience lower levels of stress hormones and live longer, healthier lives (Source: American Psychological Association, 2019).
How can I begin discerning my personal calling?
Discerning a calling begins with self-awareness and humility. Ask questions such as: What gives me energy? Where do my skills meet the needs of others? Where does my heart break? Prayer, journaling, and conversations with trusted mentors help uncover the threads of a calling. Studies confirm that reflecting on personal values improves clarity in decision-making and strengthens resilience when life shifts (Source: Journal of Positive Psychology, 2020).
Does a calling stay the same throughout life?
Not always. Callings evolve with life stages. A young parent may feel called to nurture children, while later in life the same person might be drawn to mentoring or volunteering. Shifts in health, relationships, or work can all reshape priorities. The key is to remain attentive. Surveys show that more than 60% of adults report that their sense of purpose changed significantly over their lifetime (Source: Pew Research Center, 2021).
What are signs that I may be living outside my calling?
When you live out your calling, even in small ways, it produces a sense of congruence and meaning. Theologian Frederick Buechner described it as “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Modern research backs this up - purpose-driven living is strongly linked to higher well-being, increased optimism, and even lower risk of dementia in later life (Source: JAMA Psychiatry, 2019). Calling does not promise ease, but it does offer joy that endures.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
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