I’m reading an article by Mary DeMuth about getting and keeping the heart right before God before attempting to write. One of her first points is to explore that calling. I have never felt so suited to anything (except teaching) in my life. I enjoy writing- the craft, the feedback, the process- immensely. I know God has been in it because of the things I’ve learned, because of the passages I know I didn’t write, and because the words have touched others. That’s not me, and that gives me chills. To think God has chosen to work in anything I do is pretty incredible. I’m still searching out God’s ultimate purpose in this, but I’m pursuing publication as the next step.
So what’s the difference between a gift and a calling? Jon is studying this with his Sunday school class right now and here’s his definition. Your gift is what the Holy Spirit has equipped you to do to help the church carry out its commission. Your calling is the how and where that gift is put to practical use. I have a gift of teaching, but I’m called to use that in several capacities- with my children, in various ways at church, and through writing. Others may have a different take, and it’s not worth nit-picking. It’s all a God thing anyway. He gives the gifts and the callings for His purposes and glory. I’m awestruck that He lets me participate.