What fire is shut up in my bones?

It’s a common question: What could my future be? What will I do with my life? 

I don’t know. 

There are so many possibilities. I have so many interests. Study science in college, go to medical school, and become a doctor. Study theology, prepare to go to seminary, and become a pastor. Study business, and become a businessman. 

Part of the problem here is that there are too many possibilities in our world. This is a two-way street. In one sense, I can explore a wide variety of topics. In another, I am left with too many options to choose from.

I halfheartedly wish I did not have so many interests. This would lead me to my path immediately. However, if this happened, my world would be rather boring. 

Over the course of the past year, my life’s trajectory has looked like an octopus. It has many tentacles, all leading in different directions.

Initially, I wanted to study English in college, and who knows what I would do from there. I then decided I wanted to be a business major. After that, I considered biology, going to medical school, and becoming a doctor. My most recent interest was ministry. 

A guest preacher at my church recently preached a sermon aligning with the purpose of the service: celebrating the commitment to a calling.  The process is slightly more complicated, but essentially, the newly installed pastor felt called to the church, and the church felt a calling to accept said pastor. 

At four o’clock in the quiet, dimly lit chapel, the service began. The service of Installation is different from most other church services. A variety of participants and guests came. They visited from other churches, along with current and retired pastors. One of these people was the guest preacher. 

The Rev. Vincent Kolb made his way up to the lectern, adjusted the microphone, made eye contact with the congregation, and began to preach. His sermon was entitled: “Fire Shut up in My Bones.”

I have always found a strong interest in the church, but I’ve more recently begun to feel an attraction toward it. Eventually, Rev. Kolb passionately explained what he was called to do. Rev. Kolb prompted the congregation to reflect on their lives, thinking about what they were called to do.

Most young people have no clue what they are meant to do with their lives. Like me. Some people are the complete opposite. 

Rev. Kolb revealed that not everyone can determine their calling immediately. He noted that it is not always easily pinpointed. I wondered what my calling was. This question is a potential invitation for me to discover it.

The pastorate has always fascinated me. I have never known whether or not this would be a future of mine or not. Yet Rev. Kolb’s sermon seemed to ignite a flame inside me. 

While this is a theological concept, it can be understood by anyone of any background. Most young people have no clue what they are meant to do with their lives. Like me. Some people are the complete opposite. 

Nina loves film and videography. She will study this in college and become a film director. 

Peter loves biology. He’ll study biology in college and go from there. 

Jack loves coding. He’s going to use that to make life more convenient. 

Rev. Kolb’s sermon may be my answer. My calling could be ministry. It could also simply require some patience and discovery—eventually the flame will be lit inside me and I’ll know which direction I must go.