What Will You Be When You Grow Up?

By Katie Helmreich

Some people are born knowing what they’re going to do in life. Choosing a career, setting goals, or finding ways to serve seem to come as naturally as breathing. They even exude a sense of purpose in their hobbies. They just seem to KNOW their calling in life. Their laser focus drives them deep into mastering their area of expertise and they’re ready to go! It’s amazing!!

I’ve never really felt that way. I’m more of a dabbler. I know a little bit about a lot of things. Sort of a “jack of all trades, master of none” type. I dreaded being asked “what are you going to be when you grow up?” Was I the only one who didn’t know? 
In high school I took a long standardized test that was supposed to show what types of jobs I was suited for. I was relieved. Finding an answer was going to be as simple as taking a test!

The result came back: “Undecided.”

What?! 

So I did a little of this and a little of that, biding my time until that magic day when I’d know what I was called to be.

God shapes people for service in the Kingdom. We’re tools in the hands of the God who reveals glory and love throughout the world. But I think this tool metaphor tripped me up. My husband’s tool boxes are overflowing with tools he’s not using at the moment. That doesn’t describe the Kingdom of God at all. I’ve not been stuffed in a drawer to wait until the right project comes up, and neither have you!  

I was overthinking the whole vocation thing. There isn’t one shiny Calling out there with my name on it, just waiting to be discovered. A calling isn’t synonymous with occupation or location. That’s just silly. God doesn’t need me because I have a special purpose; God grants purpose to everything I am and do!

I am a child of God. That’s my calling.

I’m a wife and mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I have a variety of abilities, interests, and opportunities. Today I am at home, writing, cleaning, drawing, avoiding putting away laundry, and planning for upcoming events. All of it is transformed and granted purpose as it glorifies God!

It’s okay to set goals, to seize the day, make plans, and to do big things! It’s okay if you’re between things right now, waiting to see what comes next. It’s okay to live quietly or to live large.

You are a child of God. God’s light shines through you. God’s goodness and love transforms each simple act of service. God’s wisdom guides you. God’s mercy strengthens you.  Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing today, by the power of the Holy Spirit you ARE living your calling.

That magic day of career clarity hasn’t come yet. Maybe it never will. But that’s alright. I’m where I need to be right now and I trust that God will continue to guide me even if I don’t know where we’re going.

At the moment I have the opportunity to serve God’s children by emptying the dishwasher, zipping up jackets, listening to their struggles and triumphs, and reminding them over and over again of God’s mercy and love. 

What will I be when I grow up?

A child of God. 

Where do I see myself in 5 years?

Secure in God’s grace and sustained by my Father’s steadfast love.

Jesus is not “undecided” about my calling or my value. Whether you feel like you’re drifting or driven, Jesus is proud to call you His own! Jesus breathes His purpose into the everyday and the extraordinary! 

Take a moment today to take a step back. Can you see how God is using you today? Maybe it’s easier to look back a year or two. God used your everyday life to shape you and to bless those around you, even if it seemed like a total disaster at the time. God used those everyday experiences to help us grow. God led us to do small, ordinary things that ended up being a far bigger blessing to someone than we expected. 

Thank you Lord, for whatever is before us today.
Bless our actions so that You might be glorified.
We marvel at your goodness, and at the difference
Your presence in our ordinary lives changes everything!
Amen.