Over the last couple of weeks the lectionary readings have been around the topic of calling, and specific calling, noting that we are all as individuals precious to God.Of course I know this, and I preach this, but every now and then the Spirit stirs within to remind me that this is true, that I am loved, known, cherished and called. That has got me pondering what it actually means to be called.

To be called, especially to be called by name means that we are KNOWN, and SEEN, that nothing is hidden, and as much as we might like to hide ourselves away, or hide from ourselves, that where the Spirit is concerned all of these things are about as effective as a baby hiding behind their hands playing a game of peek-a -boo! Oddly, today as I write I find this comforting, I am known, and accepted just as I am known, and for now, no matter what/ who I might long to become or want to be that is enough, and that I find to be immensely freeing! I am now free to walk with and work with the Living God without fear.

To be called by name also marks me out as unique, not to stand out or above others, life is not a competition and we all have gifts and talents to offer, but I am unique, I may be similar to you or vastly different from you, but none of those things matter to my calling for I am uniquely me, and only uniquely me, and I am unable to be you! Again I find this freeing, mostly because I am aware that we live in a hugely competitive society, and that somehow being a winner is essential, or certainly desirable, whereas simply being valued for your own uniqueness and the gifts you can bring to the whole is so easily overlooked.

Lastly I pick up that point about being a part of a whole, for it is not only me that is called, but all are called, the cliched phrase “we are all in this together” is actually true, though discerning quite what that means can be tricky, I heard this described in a wonderful way while out last night at a unique event named “We who sing pray twice“:

” Not one voice here is perfect, some are obviously better than others, others stronger and more confident, but to produce the whole all are needed, the whole brings a blend of depth and harmony that far surpasses the one. We need one another to produce something as beautiful as this….!”

To be called is wonderful, to be called by name and seen as valued for your uniqueness is even better, to be called to be a part of something more whole than you or I could ever be alone is perhaps the best calling there is.