Toddlers, the meaning of life and chocolate

Toddlers, the meaning of life and chocolate.

It's been a busy millennium. It would take a while to catch you up on all of that, so let me cut to the quick... 

God has put a fire in my heart that has been turned on low these last few years. With my responsibilities revolving more around diaper changes and breastfeeding tiny humans, I have put very little coal on this fire and that was necessary. That was my season and it has been such an honor to become a mother and navigate this sea of growth. But even in this very targeted season, the fire burned on low... My true calling (Our true callings), our purposes and our passions in life never shut off... They never die. They never quit beckoning. 

On the late nights, rocking babies (and praying they would sleep,) I found myself thinking "WHY OH WHY DO I WISH I WAS WRITING RIGHT NOW? I'm practically sleep walking!" It called to me. My tablet, collecting dust... It summoned me, like a Starbucks sign on a long road trip. The fire inside had so much to say, so many new lessons learned, so much wisdom bubbling up inside and BOY was I feeling the calling... So what's my calling? Well yeah, I love writing. I also love chocolate... What else is new? My calling is more than a vocation, a career or a role. My calling is a contribution to the universe. To the church. To the lost. To the happy. To the suffering. My calling is to encourage and inspire. 

My passion keeps me awake at night and excites me in the early hours. My passion has drug me kicking and screaming through the dirt more times than I can count... "I must persevere!" My passion tells me "Wisdom begins with you. Come, learn!" My purpose in this life is to shed light on awkward silences. To empower the underdogs. Hold hands with the downcast. Cheer for the victors. Why can I do this? Why do I know this is my purpose? Because I have been through so many things that have threatened to change me, break me, kill me, distract me and "satisfy" me and it was not the end of the story. God's purpose, his fire he started in me can be stifled... But it cannot be put out. 

I realize a post like this may not resonate with everyone. But that's because our "purposes" "passions" and "callings" aren't tangible. It's who we are. It's the person God created you to be, a contribution to his universe. Turn down the volume if you please, but the calling is still there... And it speaks to each of us. You were created uniquely. There is no other contribution like you. 

I understand that "passion-talk" can be intimidating, or even feel like the wrong word all together. That's why I have used a few words interchangeably. Elizabeth Gilbert would suggests "If you can let go of passion and follow your curiosity, your curiosity might just lead you to your passion." What if that's all it really is, after all? What if your passion is being peaceful and quiet? What if your purpose is having fun with friends and building community? Those are important! Those count! We need you! We are calling you! God is calling you. 

Do you need to turn up the fire? Are you wondering "where do I even begin?" I'm a great listener, especially on this topic. I would love to talk about this!

What words describe you? 

Not just on the surface, but under the surface: Are you colorful? Are you joyful? Are you serene? Are you brave? Are you gentle? What is your contribution? What is one curious thing you can do today?