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The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
An old Yiddish proverb states, "We plan, God laughs." I too had a plan, envisioning a journey through college with a degree in chemistry, followed by a graduate degree, leading me to either a professorship or a comfortable industry job. With everyone around me supporting this seemingly well-thought-out plan, I immersed myself in the world of chemistry, delighting at experiments and equations. Yet, there was a persistent, nagging feeling that perhaps I wasn't in the right place. Despite this, I earned my bachelor’s degree and started a graduate program, and I continued to dismiss that inner voice. Even after stepping away from my master's program, I clung to a new but similar plan while searching for a job. I can only imagine God’s laughter toward and frustration with my stubbornness. Finally, after a summer of introspection and speaking with trusted friends, I responded to God’s call and turned the page to a new chapter in my life. Putting my trust in God has led to a satisfaction that I was missing before. Now, having just started seminary and my position as youth director here at Christ our Shepherd, I can see the miraculous ways in which God is active in my life. As I continue in my journey, I look forward to the chapters I will write in my walk with Christ.
Gracious God, in Jesus words we are invited to be partners in his work of witnessing to your kingdom on earth. In his words, we are reminded of the mission and responsibility that we received in our baptism. Keep our hearts, eyes, and ears open, so that daily we will respond to your call. With courage and humility, relying on your grace, may we be agents of healing, bearers of truth, and messengers of hope. We offer this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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