Assignment

I grew up not knowing what I wanted to do with my life.  It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy working.  I loved driving a tractor, working on the farm.  I loved helping others achieve team and personal goals.  I loved analyzing and solving problems.  The process, effort, and results were rewarding.  Yet as much as I loved doing these things and more, I couldn’t imagine what I would do with my life.  Nothing seemed to fall into place. 
 
With time, I found myself more and more confused and uncertain.  What was I supposed to do?  Did anyone know?  Would, could, I actually finish something I started?
 
Even as I finished my time at University, I had no idea what the answer would be.  I was hopeful, not certain.  I had aspiration, not confidence.  I had a sense of the present, not the moment. 
 
I look back, across the decades, and I can still see and feel the confusion within.  In some ways, it has never completely gone away.  I do recognize the things that are different from those days.  I now know Hope.  I now understand the source of confidence.  I recognize the moment.  I understand what I am call to do and be.  I’m not unique.  Many young songwriters today are hopeful, not certain.  Many emerging adults carry aspirations, not confidence.  Many live in fear of the future, chained by the past, unable to move in the moment.  Each searches for his or her assignment, wanting more than they have.
 
As different as you and I are from those around us, each unique in our way, there is an assignment we share.  In the context of our specific journey, Hope calls each to represent Divinity to our self as well as those we touch.  The words of the prophet still call out; “Climb a high mountain, Zion.  You're the preacher of good news.  Raise your voice.  Make it good and loud, Jerusalem.  You're the preacher of good news.  Speak loud and clear.  Don't be timid!  Tell the cities of Judah, ‘Look!  Your God!’”  (Isaiah 40.9)