There are moments when you realize you have a lot more responsibility than you thought you had. I recently found myself in room with potential clients and realize it was one of those moments. I was outnumbered and alone. On one hand it was fine. I was comfortable and confident with the agenda, starting facts, and goal. As the conversation ebbed and flowed, sometimes collegial and positive, sometimes adversarial and confrontational, I realized I had been commissioned to be in this role at this time. Being aware brought a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.
As I reflect and action the outcomes of the meeting, I find myself looking at the different ways you and I are commissioned. We are commissioned to do good. We are commissioned to be present, caring for others by listening to their story. We are commissioned by birth and in living. While words change across different, an old Jewish scribe left us with an observation about Divinity’s action in one life; “Yes, I’m setting him apart as the First of the royal line, High King over all of earth’s kings.” (Psalm 89.27) There are related promises that link this action to the action in your life and mine.
My realization brought a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. As my awareness expanded to the corners of my life, my awareness of broader callings in my life came into focus. While our callings are different, we share the reality that we are commissioned. We are called. We have a purpose we are called to fulfill in our lives.
Then question I wrestled with as I spoke with clients was what now? What do I do with this realization? Let me suggest the following.
Live. Live fully, completely, and as thoroughly as one can.
Learn. Live knowing mistakes will come. Use them to live better and deeper.
Grow. Live greater, taking the good and the bad, and doing the best one can.
You and I are called to live and serve. You and I are empowered, empowered to deliver compassion and tangible care.
