Leader: We think of our vocation as one thing. A singular purpose to which we are called in the world. In reality, we often juggle multiple vocations. The call to leadership and service does not supersede the call to be a spouse, parent or community member. The call to be a leader does not supplant preexisting calls to be a teacher or mentor.

We are, all of us, multi-vocational, wearing many hats, transitioning from role to role throughout the day. A call is not static, but must be revisited and even renegotiated as we grow in grace and wisdom.

Reader: The Way It Is by William Stafford

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

Leader: The poem begs some questions for each of us as we gather. Let us spend some moments in silence as we consider our own answers to the questions asked of us.

What is your thread? What are you pursuing?
How does the thread wind through each of your roles?
How does it bind them together?

Pray with me.

All: God of love and compassion,
you have called each of us to a dynamic combination of roles.
Be with us as we navigate the intersections of our identity,
knowing that in turn they will ebb and flow in primacy.
Give us the grace and peace to situate all of our roles in you
and the humility to be led by your Spirit in each moment of our days.
Amen.