As I reflect on 10 years of pastoral ministry, I’ve been talking with friends who are discerning God’s call and job shifts, and it’s got me thinking about U2. Some years back there was an article (can’t find it) that talked about what the guys from Dublin would have done with their lives had they not become the world’s biggest band. I recall that Larry would’ve been a police officer, etc. etc.
Then it quipped, “Bono, of course, could only be Bono.”
I know a few people like that. They’re doing what they were born to do and it’s hard to see them doing anything else. But most of us are like Edge, Adam and Larry (though not nearly so cool). We have many different gifts and many different interests. There are many possible paths we might take. If not this, then something else. And whatever we end up doing can lead to a meaningful life.
It makes discernment more difficult because you’re not usually deciding between right and wrong, but right and right.
Or option A, which is slightly less right, and Option B, which is a little more right but requires a big jump into the unknown.
Or Option C, which is right in several very important ways, and Option D, which is right in several other completely different ways.
But being Edge or Larry or Adam is also very freeing. It’s not about cracking the code and finding that one perfect vocation. It’s about trusting that whatever you decide, you will be where you need to be in that moment. And if you’re a Christian, it’s about trusting that the Spirit can use you wherever you end up—that you will play a small part in God’s grand dream of shalom for all.
You know those studies of people who won the lottery and those who became paraplegics? And how after six months of adjustment they were as happy or unhappy as they were before? Yeah. Like that.
During the last decade of ministry, there have been several crossroads moments for me—a church’s search committee that came calling, or that first writing workshop I attended that unlocked something important in me, or a cool non-profit opportunity that tugged on my heart. The most significant was applying for a sabbatical while an associate pastor, only to be called to Tiny Church instead. In fact, three days after Tiny voted to call me, I got the notification that my sabbatical grant application had been accepted and the Lilly Endowment wanted to give me [mumble] thousand dollars to hike in the Rockies and visit Cinque Terre with Robert. I had to turn it down.
God and I had some words about the timing of that. But here we are.
Our family loves Billy Jonas. He’s a sage in musician’s clothing, with some Pied Piper thrown in. One of my favorite songs is “Anyway You Go You’re Gonna Get There.” Check it out:
I got lost far from home, I was scared, I was all alone
A great big circus came my way; let me see what the fortunetellers have to say
First one said, “home is near,” second one said “you can’t get there from here”
Third one said, “it’s time to scatter, cuz any way you go it doesn’t matter….”Chorus: Any way you go you’re gonna get there!
Any way you go you’re gonna get there!
Lean a little bit to where you wanna get
Cause any way you go you’re gonna get there!
Then here’s the heart of the song:
What if I choose the wrong career?
“Any way you go you’re gonna get there!”
And what if I make my choice in fear?
“Any way you go you’re gonna get there!”
Yes, some decisions are between right and wrong. But not most. Most moments of discernment are invitations to lean a little bit, and trust that any way you go you’re gonna get there.
Are you discerning between Options A and B, C and D right now? How are you being called to lean?
I’m no longer in the discernment phase myself, just helping those who are on the journey. God be w/ you, MaryAnn, as you stay open to feel which way the wind is blowing. Oswald Chambers reminded me that sometimes LIFE is lived while we await whatever it is that God calls us to be… and often we are already living that call w/o even realizing it. Travel mercies!
Thank you!
At this stage, it’s just nice to feel settled. 10 years into ministry—like 10 years into parenthood—feels like the payoff stage. A lot of hard work to get here, and though the work continues, there’s a nice feeling of flow.
“Any way you go you’re gonna get there!”
The way I say it is “What’s supposed to happen is going to happen”.
I was having a talk with my granddaughter earlier this year - she was fretting over making a decision on middle school - which magnet should she apply to. I told her about my decision when it came time to pick a major in college - it came down to computer science or politic science. I chose political science, but I ended up working in computers for almost my whole working life and loving it. What’s supposed to happen is going to happen.
This could not be more timely for me…I am in discernment about where I might be called next and feeling very torn, complicated by the fact that by some metrics I got a late start and I do feel pulled in many directions. Thank you!
Glad it is helpful. Blessed be…
I was in big-time discernment mode last year. Change and fear of the unknown is hard! Even if you know you’re on the “right” path, it is scary putting yourself out there and shifting gears. For me it was especially hard because a) I had a partner involved and b) I making a dramatic change from something that wasn’t really that bad, just not the right fit for me. But I suppose that is part of the trusting too: trusting yourself enough to let go of what you have in order to reach out for the next step that is more in line with who you are.
That “not that bad” thing is really tough. Because then you think “well maybe this situation is fine, I just need the right outlook and attitude.” But sometimes not.
I don’t mind saying, I do hope your discernment will lead you back to NoVA…
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I copied an image recently that had the words “what would you do if your weren’t afraid?”…I’ve been pondering my answer to that question.
Always a good question. Interested in where it takes you!
Thank you for providing fresh fodder for my sermon (at a PW synod gathering this weekend). There are only so many ways one can unpack the exodus story, but I have yet to try this one
Anyway you go, you’re gonna get there. That’ll preach.
Ooh! The Exodus!
How about the fact that “exodus” is Greek for A way out. Not THE way out. I love that it’s right there in the name
Have a great time! Preach it preacher!
Very hopeful writing. Thank you. Blessings on your 10 years of ordained ministry. How lucky we are to know you! I was thinking about this very thing regarding my children’s choices of vocation and calling. My two boys are sort of like Bono. I can’t imagine Darren doing anything other than what he is doing and the same for Matt’s calling as a musician. Rosemary is in a very different place and feels anxious that she does not have a definite sense of what she wants to do in her life. Your thoughts are helpful.
Thank you for this timely post. It resonates with where I am particularly at the moment through a transition in ministry. I am grateful for the sovereign Lord’s hand upon our lives lived and poured out for God’s glory. Prayerfully in the joyful journey of hope in Christ, with wisdom and renewed insight to bear upon ongoing discernment, reassured we are “gonna get there,” I remain and continue
In the Grip of God’s Grace,