Vocation Discernment
What is my purpose in life?
How do you decide what courses to take? What to major in? How to prepare for life after college?
Some decided when they were 4 years old. Some have been programmed by expectations from parents, teachers or others with influence. Some decide because of the potential for money, power, or fame.
Have you already decided your purpose in life--your vocation? Or are you still wondering about it?
My advice is that a university is a great place to explore options--to learn about multitude of possibliities, many of of which you never imagined before entering the mind-expanding world of Duke. College years are a time to learn about life, about the world and all that is in it. College years are a time to look inside as well--to come to know who I am, what are my gifts and interests? What am I passionate about? What turns me on? What activities give me a sense of purpose, fullfillment and joy?
The Duke Chapel PathWays program is an opportunity you may want to consider. This program, funded in part by the Lilly Endowment, offers students opportunities to explore Vocation. We in the faith community believe that God has created each person with unique gifts and talents, and that each person has a vocation, a calling. Each of us has been created by God to contribute something special to build up the Kingdom of God. Discovering our vocation is about listening to the voice of God, who speaks to our heart and to our mind if we quiet ourselves to listen.
In the Lord's Prayer, we pray "thy will be done". How do you discern God's will for you?
Consider joining the Discernment Group that I lead. A group of us gather on Wednesday night at 9pm about 6 times each semester. We spend an hour discussing together what God might be calling us to be. If Wednesdays are not a good time for you, or if you would prefer to be in another Discernment Group, there are several other options, all led by campus ministers at Duke. I would be happy to tell you more.
(919) 684-1882