First off, if you like Veggie Tales or are interested in producing Christian media content, or you just want a good read, go check out Phil Vischer's website. I wandered over there yesterday (prompted by something I cannot remember) because I've always wondered about those rumors I'd heard about Phil and Big Idea Productions going bankrupt and lawsuits with distributors and such. Phil has a thorough description of all those things (somewhat long, but very engagingly written—apparently he wrote a book, Me, Myself, and Bob, which details the experience more fully), as well as news on what he's up to now, the state of Christian media in general, and other interesting oddities.
While reading his post about what he's working on, he mentioned an idea that is very popular and shows up in all kinds of places: finding your calling. And, of course, I'm always talking on about calling on here. For whatever reason, the very simple way he talked about his own journey struck home to me (even though it is basic to a lot of programs—heck, even LGCC had their SHAPE class that covered the same thing). In two paragraphs, he talked about his own burden (what he had a heart to do) and his gifting (what talents he had). That intersection, he suggested, was his ministry.
It can take me a long time to figure things out, I know, but that clicked in my head.
So I share just my jottings in response to that (very rough and off the top of my head). I don't know what they mean, or they point toward exactly, or anything, but the rumination is going on.
What is my burden?
I want to show that God is relevant and satisfyingly complex in the worlds of artistry and academics. The art and writing made by His people, for His people and the world at large, can be of a quality as great or greater than that produced by the secular world. I want people to be swept up into stories and experiences larger than themselves and to be given hope and delight and vision and passion and encouragement on their journey.
What is my gifting?
Writing. Storytelling. Creativity. Research. World-building. Humor. Academics.
That's all I've got right now.
2 comments:
What if you can't really identify your burdens? And then your gifts don't seem to have any earthly value? Darn, I'm still struggling with all this, and I am pushing the mid century mark. I still ask myself, "Shouldn't I be DOING something?" I suppose it isn't myself I should ask, but the Design Technician.
Thanks for sharing this about you, I like your burden description. It seems consistent with how I envision you.
tm
Ornery's Wife—
Two quick thoughts:
1) Through your blog and comments alone, it seems to me you have a giant heart for supporting and encouraging other people. I don't call that "nothing."
2) In the small experience I have in these matters, I have found that too many people shortchange themselves when it comes to figuring out what they are "meant" to do by (a) holding on to the idea that it may be only one thing, and much more so (b) thinking that a calling must be in traditional ministry (i.e.: missionary work, preaching, teaching, etc.) I am fairly well convinced that God uses people in every weird occupation, hobby, interest, and subculture to do His work, and that His work in our lives is the testimony needed. Find what brings your heart to life, give it over to Him, and your joy and care and heart will show Him to others in that spot (perhaps a spot that few others can reach).
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