Fork or Spoon?!

Recently, I had a conversation with someone about a “Calling from God” and knowing “God’s Will.” As I bemoaned my inability to know what those things were currently in some areas of my life, he looked at me and said, “Sometimes God lets us choose whether we will pick up the fork or the spoon.”

Um, we’re talking about a “Calling” here. Isn’t that supposed to be super-spiritual or something? (Yes, I do believe that is the technical term for it.)

We all approach our future and purpose differently. Terms such as “Calling” and “God’s Will” are bantered about by some with an air of nonchalance and used for validation in whatever they are currently doing. Others whisper those words with awe and reverence. Either way, it usually implies one specific path or vocation brought down from on high. At times, I have approached them with determination as if I’m searching for the Holy Grail. I reason that only one path can be the correct path. If I choose wrong, I imagine the Grail Knight from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade saying, “She chose poorly.”

However, if I’m so focused on my path and calling, then I lose sight of the One who gives me purpose and that Calling. Perhaps the single path approach is lacking more than just nuance.

I do believe that God has purpose for our lives, but I’m not convinced that we don’t get at least a say in how we live that out. Maybe I’m treading into free will versus predestination waters (of which I am not qualified to speak). However, I cannot help but see how the Lord shepherds me by guiding me along the right paths for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3), and how we, as believers, are called to be free (Gal. 5:13). This implies some allowance for choice and preference.

While it is clear biblically that sin should be avoided, there is a vast range of permissible. God, I believe, gives us freedom to choose within the range of those parameters. It is clear, biblically, that I should not exasperate my children. It is clear, biblically, that I should be truthful. It is clear, biblically, that I should love my spouse; but maybe, just maybe, God allows me to choose whether I love my spouse while I pursue writing or pursue teaching. Perhaps God allows me to choose school/career A or school/career B and both are good and acceptable. It’s possible one option is good for one season of my life and a different option fits better with a different season of life.

Some individuals have a crystal-clear Calling. If that’s you, great! Go for it! However, if you’re like me, maybe you just need to pick something and try it on for size. See how it feels for a while. There is such joy in being given the opportunity to pursue what I enjoy, while secure in the knowledge that God the Father knows me better than I know myself and will guide me on new paths as I seek His face.

Do I believe that God nudges us when we seek Him with our whole hearts? Yes. Do I believe that God is aware of our needs and meets us in the small, details of our lives? Yes. I don’t believe, though, that I will miss out on some special blessing or insight if I happen to choose to pursue a law degree instead of a counseling degree. (Well, I’m slowly getting there at least.) I believe that God, in His Sovereign wisdom, can use whatever paltry offerings I give Him to bring about His purpose and His Kingdom—just as He used five measly loaves of bread and two fish to feed thousands. Ultimately, He wants my heart, not because I’m some special find, but because He truly loves me and He is that amazing.

So back to this fork/spoon idea. Some food requires a fork. It’s hard to eat a steak with a spoon. Some food requires a spoon. Yogurt comes to mind. But there are times when I could go either way. Think mashed potatoes. Here’s the thing about using a fork or spoon to eat, though. I first have to pick one of them up and actually use it. In life, I must pick an option, and then trust that my loving Father will gently correct or guide me if it’s not the best for me. I cannot be frozen by indecision and starve (okay, that might be taking the analogy a bit too far.)

As you are traveling your own path, I hope that you find comfort in the freedom to choose your next step under the umbrella of loving God and seeking His ways. I hope you are able to select option A or option B, try it on for size, and experience the liberty to change to another option that might fit better at a later time. After all, if one utensil wasn’t working for me, I’d pick up a different one. Life is hard enough as it is without resorting to eating my yogurt with a fork.

This is me encouraging you to pick up your own metaphorical fork or spoon. Choose that major, pick up that hobby that might turn into a career or ministry, volunteer for that thing that sounds interesting, sing that song, write that letter, or say hi to that person. I’ll be here in my own little part of the world choosing a fork or spoon alongside you. Heck, I might just go for the chopsticks!