more growing into vocation...

I made it to Colonia, Uruguay for my visa run and a few days of personal retreat. While away, I plan to revisit the theme of vocation these next couple of days. Back in 2007 I shared some thoughts and reflections on vocation that still provide a foundation for what I hope to develop further (click here). As I attempt to pull together what I have learned about vocation so far, I think it is important to keep the below quote in mind…

“The very different vocational prospects for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ in our world offer a good starting point for the process of critical reflection on our social position. We should consider, for example, the question of whether the intricacies of vocational discernment are just a luxury for the privileged classes who are economically secure enough to be able to worry about things like ‘authenticity’ or ‘following their bliss.’ While a small minority of the world’s population is blessed with a range of interesting career options to choose from, the poor are cursed with severely limited options. For most of the world’s people, extreme poverty closes off vocational possibilities for meaningful work. The poor are consequently less concerned with whether a job is ‘right’ for them and more with whether there is any kind of job for them at all.” (A Sacred Voice Is Calling, John Neafsey)

As I seek to deepen my understanding of vocation, I need to keep this in mind. I need to frame my listening and vocational discernment with my friends in mind … my friends who struggle to make enough spare change to live day to day. I also need to remember that vocation is about more then my “work” or “occupation.” Ultimately, my vocation is follower of Jesus Christ, reflecting Him in all areas of life.

Just some initial thoughts as I begin this retreat.