Finding Me

I stepped through the coffee shop door, into the parking lot, to see my car moving out of the spot where I had parked it.

“Someone is stealing my car!” I thought. Then instantly, “It’s rolling back! I didn’t put it in gear!”

An overdose of adrenaline shot through my veins as I wondered if I could reach my rolling gem, jump in and hit the brake. Then I noticed the roof of the moving car was white, not black like mine. Identical in every way but that, meant the moving vehicle was not my car. Its rolling backward meant that it was now back far enough to reveal my own buggy safely snuggled in the exact spot I had left it. No thief inside, no gear engaged.

The lady driving the “runaway” vehicle saw me smile and then laugh. She pulled forward, straightening up to align herself into her parking spot. When she got out, she was wearing a broad smile. We chatted about how we liked what we were driving, the year, and the fact that neither of us had a spec of trouble with them. As we said our goodbyes, I told her, “Well, I’ve had my excitement for the day!” We chuckled. I look forward to passing her around town sometime and waving.

As I drove away, I thought how easy it was to mistake her vehicle for mine. And then I heard the still small voice of the Holy Spirit whisper in my own spirit. Perhaps it was the adrenaline rush, or maybe it was the overwhelming relief that washed over me when I realized the truth of my situation. Whatever it was, it left a large landscape of breathtaking beauty beside still waters into which the Holy Spirit was able to speak to me.

“This is how easy it is to mistake someone else’s calling, for yours. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father, I see what you mean.”

“Good. You be you, and leave the rest to me.”

How graciously our heavenly Father continues to faithfully teach us the lessons we need to learn throughout our life. Sometimes they are new lessons. Other times, they are reminders that call us back to being centered in Christ and focused on his plan for us, not others.

I’m reminded again of when Peter asked the Lord about the other disciple. Jesus told him, “If I want him to remain until I come again, what is that to you? You, follow me.”

Too often I get distracted by others’ successes and accomplishments. Too often I see another calling that I think might be mine. It might even be a calling I wish were mine instead of the one I’ve got. It’s in those times, that my spirit becomes a run-away, a stolen vessel, and I hear my Savior say, “What is that to you? YOU follow me.” Once my focus is adjusted to align with His will, I find my soul is centered and secure in the calling that is specifically and especially, designed by the Master, for me. In that, I find the freedom of my calling.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the calling you have placed on my life. Thank you for the purpose you give me for living every day for you. Help me to stay centered in your will, focused on your calling, and committed to your purpose for my life. For your glory, I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.