Calling

"You choose to allow your calling to be shaped by those with whom you enter into relationship with," Melinda, my mentor, explained. It sounded so basic, so elementary, and yet... so new. My calling isn't  some pristine concept that can't be touched or changed? Oh wait, people influence and even change my "calling?"

I nodded my head a lot more convincingly than my heart was feeling. It made sense... I mean, it seemed like it should make sense. Of course what we do in life is heavily influenced by who we interact with.

"That's why knowing Jesus changes us... because we're in a relationship with him... relationships transform," she continued.

But that fear was there... I didn't want my calling, my dream, my desire, my passion of working with the poor outside of America to change. That wasn't in my plans. But really, when does God do ANYTHING according to my "plans?" Not often.

Maybe he isn't going to change that passion... maybe he is still going to send me deep into some slum or away to some remote village. Maybe. But maybe, he'll shape my desires and change my heart, through my interactions with people... people I allow to come close. And maybe its not about the poor... maybe its about my grip on this dream. Maybe that's what its about.

God didn't promise he wouldn't ask for the dream back.

Because in the end, its a lot more about following him, then following my "calling"...