A CONNECTOR

I’ve spent my whole adult life trying to find purpose, and then seven years ago put me on a path that has expanded my range of questions. Why does GOD, the Creator of the Universe, care enough to know us by name? Why does this same GOD choose to make things personal and touch our lives in ways that are undeniable? Why for some does He reveal purpose and give them the ability to walk in assurance with steadfastness? And why for others does HE wait until their last days to reveal the impact they had by His grace. Each with a purpose. Some know and live it. Some live.

It is an indescribable privilege for me to remember my last conversations with my daughter Meagan. I admire her. She was one that walked with this assurance I reference. Though always searching for more, Meagan knew God called her.

Often, I asked why she didn’t want to join me as a front door greeter of our main campus church while up north. I repeatedly told her how perfect she was for such a position, yet she repeatedly declined. One of our last conversations on that fatal drive was unexpectedly about the assurance of knowing your calling. It began when I prompted her about being a greeter again. However, this time she unpacked her heart like an artist on canvas. I was dumbfounded as I listened.

She explained her awareness of how God gave her a heart to notice the outcast in a crowd; the student in class too shy to engage with others; the one person left out of a conversation at work; the loaner who didn't really want to be alone. She said she didn’t want to miss an opportunity to reach out, so she would kindly introduce herself and pull them into her world. They would eventually join her and her friends for a quick lunch near campus, out for dinner, a movie, or just to hang. She added, it may take a few encounters but in most cases they would soon warm up to her and engage. At this moment in the conversation, tears welled up in her eyes while we drove and she continued, “I know when I’ve pleased My Father, when I’ve completed my mission. It’s when that person is now going out with my friend and doesn’t tell me or call me. It’s when they no longer need me. It’s then I know I have done what I was called to do. I don’t have to be their close friend, and they no longer have to text me every day. God has called me to connect people, Mom. I am a Connector.”

She concluded with my full attention, “So rather than me being a greeter and investing little passed a handshake, I am called to something deeper. I want to be behind you guys in the atrium ready with a clipboard and pen to spot the people that come in alone or alone as a family. I want to find out what they need and hope for, and then 'connect' them to the right person, home-group, or guide them to the correct place in our monstrous church. I want to get at the heart, not just open the door. I know this will be a lot of homework for me to visit all of the home-groups and understand their uniqueness; investigate ministries; know all that our church offers--but that’s not a problem. So, when we get back home, one of the first things I am going to do is meet with Pastor Jim and share my vision. There is a need that I see, and it fits me. I want to ask him for permission to serve as 'a Connector.'”

I was captivated. I was inspired. What is it I long for more than His love, His grace, His purpose for my life? What is it you long for? We are all called for a purpose clearly. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” How many of us settle and give up pursuit? How many of us "know" our calling and don't walk in it? Is that not sin? Should our heart's cry not be, "What do you have for me to do, Father? Your will be done." Oh, bless those of you who "know" and live it with passion!

For the "others," what is holding you back from walking in the fullness of His purpose? What is it so deep inside that would keep you from walking in His calling with the assurance of being called? Too often, we are our worst enemy believing lies that cripple us while trying to convince others that we have little or no purpose! What is this but sin, and sin against our Father and Lord! Oh, forgive me Father. Forgive me for not pursuing Your will with my whole heart, for missing opportunities You laid in my path, for robbing You of glory. Anything other than Your will is vanity. Speak to my heart and make Your path clear. I may not be a "Connector" but I am CALLED, WE are called...by Your grace and loving-kindness...for Your glory and Your great pleasure.

Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”