Despite two decades and a whole lot of life since then, the vision is clear. I remember His call vividly.
I was standing alone in my dorm room asking God what He wanted me to do because my dad’s desire to have a lawyer in the family wasn’t a good fit for me; I hated political science classes.
God’s answer did not come with lightning or an earthquake, only a very vivid picture that somehow reached from my mind into my spirit. In my mind I saw a woman standing at the front of a tiny brick church wearing a pastor’s robe and a beautiful stole. Her wavy auburn hair, freckles, and smile looked very familiar, but most of all, I knew this woman’s heart. She was me.
They didn’t share my enthusiasm and instructed me to get a “real” degree. So, I did what most college freshmen do trying to decide what to be when they grow up; I closed my eyes, held my breath, and picked a degree. I chose secondary education/ English as my major and planned on attending seminary after college.
But plans don’t always work out as we think.
During that lonely year, I taught middle school English. When I wasn’t teaching I wandered aimlessly trying to fill up the cavern inside. After searching and searching, I came back to the Bible and my faith. When I came back to Him, He came back to me, and the empty place was again filled. I came out of the waters of baptism rubbing my hands together ready to work for God. Ready to serve Him where He led.
I believe the call may come in a vision, a dream, or a voice. It may come when we are young or very old, but it will come—if we are asking. It may not come to fruition as we plan in our mind, but God’s plans never look exactly like we think. They always turn out better.
And I know… He’s not finished with me or my caling yet.
