(Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
Over the years, the focus on worship has been to reach out beyond the comfortable walls of the church and find ways to serve the surrounding community. The question then becomes, How do we decide where and how to serve? The parish as a whole defines its particular mission to the outside world, but each of us needs to find our own personal way of serving others in the name of Christ.
When I was small, I thought that vocation was only for those who felt called to serve in the church. But as I look back over the years, I realize that I have been drawn in one direction after another. Each of these experiences have come together to shape who I am today. At first, I thought I was called to model myself after the heroes and heroines whose love and example has touched me deeply. I have learned a great deal from these people and I am grateful for all that they have given me, but I am not them. Their gifts and strengths are not necessarily mine.
Each of us has a vocation, a highly unique call to the fulfillment of all that we are, all that we hope and dream of, all that we might offer to others. As a teacher, I have seen parents plan for their children’s future, but they sometimes fail to take into consideration the inner gifts and strengths that are unique to that child. Very often, the child will grow to discover that is not the future they want. The parents are hoping their child will find success, but that kind of success may not feed the soul or meet the needs of that child.
My husband was a volunteer firefighter for almost 50 years. He found it challenging, but very rewarding. At some point, I became interested in volunteer ambulance work. For years, I served as a first responder, as an EMT and then as a paramedic. As a fulltime teacher, I had also become a first responder. I have served in other ways over the years, but in December of 2012, the Chief of the Shelburne Falls Fire Department asked if I would consider working as Department Chaplain. I was delighted to say “yes!” This has been a tremendous gift. Serving these men and women is a privilege.
This, however, is not the only way of serving the community. There are many ways to use the gifts that you have and to find joy and fulfillment in doing so. Some are called to be writers, some are called to the arts, some are called to the military, some are called to teaching and nursing. There are many vocations that help and serve others. The world’s deep needs are met daily not only by caring doctors and inspiring leaders, but by good parents, good tradesmen, good neighbors and good friends.
I remember assuming many years ago that my life would be a straight road, leading in one fixed direction. But over the years we grow and we change. We may find ourselves living a life we had never imagined. Our life’s journey can lead us in many directions. Many opportunities, many paths, may open along the way.
Some of these may lead to new possibilities, some of these may not be for us at all. But each of us needs to hold onto a framework of values. How can we live a life that is faithful, that is honest and that is loving?
Bless us each, Dear Lord, and give us the life-giving energy to embrace tomorrow as fully as we can. Help us to discover the gifts that you have given us. Help us to use these gifts in the service of others. Help us to live as you would have us live, with passion, with commitment, with joy, with love and with gratitude. Amen
The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew is a welcoming community that strives to be inclusive, embraces and nurtures faith in God, and challenges its members to affirm that faith in action. Our mission priorities are to support children and their caregivers and to increase utilization of our beautiful campus. We are a worshipping community of believers united in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to receive and share God’s love, hope, joy, vitality and vision as we serve others. Our celebrations of the Eucharist are Sunday at 8 and 10 a.m., and all are welcome to join us and to receive communion.