For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. . . . I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. . . . Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 2:10, 4:1-3, 5:1-2
vocation
Summer Snapshot: Weaving Threads of Promise
We like to share what we call “snapshots†from time to time, brief reflections from a particular moment of the year in the life of an ESN author or member. We hope these glimpses of God’s work in the lives of fellow academics are encouraging to early career scholars as they navigate the calendar of the academic year and the everyday calling of following Christ in their work and lives. Today ESN author and InterVarsity staffer Angelo Blancaflor shares how God is weaving together different aspects of his vocation that have sometimes seemed separate.
Last year, for ESN’s Writing as a Spiritual Discipline series, I wrote that God meets me in writing as I learn, record, and connect with others. This summer, God has met me in a new way: in the contrast of writing poetry and scientific articles.
2018 has been a year of transition.
On one hand, I’ve taken on a new role with InterVarsity’s Evangelism team, moving me closer towards a career in full-time ministry. It is a dream job, but I feel further removed from the biology and science career that I had imagined for myself for when I had finished my undergraduate degree.
In the midst of seeing how my calling has changed, God offered me a moment of promise. At InterVarsity’s Ambition conference, God invited me to stand and receive commissioning as a future graduate student and academic missionary, anointed to serving the university.
———————————————
I have been unweaving these two threads of calling. One of full-time ministry, and another of academic work. As I have asked questions and thought of logistics (when exactly do I begin a graduate program while holding a full-time position?), God has answered me as I have written poetry.
In April, I wrote a short collection as part of National Poetry Month, and this summer, I have found those words to be prophetic, recording the ways that I have grown and understood my sense of calling to serve God’s mission.
These prophetic words have quelled my fears of “wasting†my degree and affirmed that, despite my questions, I am precisely where I am meant to be.
(For example, I wrote that courage has been steeping for / five years, a surging power in a piece about the fears I face in my role of sharing the gospel to thousands of students. As I have faced those fears, I have felt exactly like the river I described—surging and full).
———————————————
Of course, leave it to the Almighty to make divine plans.
Throughout this summer I have repeatedly heard that God will resurface the thread of my biology research in the future. That He has not closed the door on that world.
And so, in June, my old lab informed that the project I had been working on before I left for full-time ministry is ready for publication—and invited me as a co-author!
In the midst of writing poetry and science, God has reminded me that I am precisely where I am meant to be: in His hands, ready and waiting.
(You can read my poetry on my personal blog, here).
Seeking the Perfect Job?
Recently, I was speaking to undergrad students about careers when someone asked, “Were you able to find a position that matched your area of special interest?†I shared that I am, in fact, blessed to be able to do important and interesting work that I enjoy. But I also wanted students to know that there are some job-related responsibilities that I don’t necessarily enjoy, but that I have to do anyway. Some bright, eager students I’ve known over the years have had the impression that there was a dream job—one that they would love and get paid to do—waiting for them after graduation. I’ve tried to encourage them to find a job that they liked and that was a good fit, but at the same time to be realistic about their prospects and not romanticize potential careers. [Read more…] about Seeking the Perfect Job?
Three Questions for Lectio Vocatio
When John Van Sloten, whose work was introduced in Summer Book Suggestion: Every Job a Parable, meets with groups to try to discern God’s signature moves in their jobs, he begins with three questions. I encourage you to take a few minutes this week to give them prayerful consideration. Over the course of the coming month, share and discuss them with a small group of colleagues. [Read more…] about Three Questions for Lectio Vocatio
Summer Book Suggestion: Every Job a Parable by John Van Sloten
As we anticipate summer rhythms, ESN wants to offer book suggestions from our readers. Our hope is that this will provide great conversation starters for ESN members as you engage with each other online and at events like the upcoming InterVarsity faculty retreats and the American Scientific Affiliation conference. We also hope you find some great summer reading. The format is simple: Give us the title, a quotation from the book if desired (150 words or less), and a paragraph on why this book is worth reading (for Christian scholars in general or for you individually). The book can be related to your academic work and life, or related to theology and living the Christian life, or recreational reading that helps you rest and enjoy the summer. Hannah Eagleson began Summer Book Suggestions 2018 with Spiritual Rhythm by Mark Buchanan. Please send us your suggestions in a similar format. Thank-you. [Read more…] about Summer Book Suggestion: Every Job a Parable by John Van Sloten