A Dream or a Calling?

I believe that everyone has a dream and a calling. How we spend our lives and the people whose hearts we touch are one of the reasons we try to fulfill these dreams. Whether we chose to be teachers, scientists, doctors, politicians or a million other things, the choices we made years ago define where and who we are today. I also believe that a calling is something that God has 

Ellen Taylor

chosen for each of us to accomplish in our lives. Sometimes it takes a while for us to figure out what this is. If you are one of the lucky ones, God will let you know what he has in mind while you are still young.

I believe that God spoke to me quite clearly when I was in college. At the time, I was about 20 years old and was getting ready to graduate as a dance major. I had always dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina! Yes, that really is a thing! I had danced since I was 7 and was always driven to be the best, and now, finally, I had an opportunity to audition for a company in North Carolina. I was so excited! I prayed and prayed about this. But, as it turned out, I was asking God for all the wrong things. I wanted God to make me the best dancer ever and for me to have a wonderful career. I asked God for this, kind of like the little children who pray for a Barbie Doll or a Tonka Truck at Christmas-time. I thought I truly wanted my prayers to be answered, but in my heart, I still had some doubts. And then He spoke to me. He let me know that being a ballerina was my dream, but that my calling was different.

He had placed me on this earth for another purpose. It still took me a while to figure out God’s plan, but many prayers later, it was finally clear to me. I was meant to help and heal others. I wanted to comfort them, care for them and make their lives better. I became a healthcare provider. I was first a Nurse and then a Nurse Practitioner and was able to do all those things. I worked for years in Emergency Rooms, Family Practice and Urgent Care to do God’s will. It was such a rewarding life to know that on some level I was making a difference every day. Seeing the gratitude and comfort in the eyes of my patients as I treated them for a myriad of troubles was a blessing. And I felt that God was with me every step of the way.

Now fast forward to 2021. After a long career, I finally decided to retire. I was hoping to find another outlet for my desire to help and heal. First Pres offered me many opportunities to continue my calling. As a Deacon, I have learned about service to the Church and about Redemptive Compassion. As a member of the Welcome/Membership Committee, I have met new people, and I hope have helped to grow our congregation. I feel like I’m still following my calling—with God’s help. If any of you feel the need to follow this path of service to God and your Church, I encourage you to consider volunteering on some level. I pray that God will speak to you and show you your path.

Proverbs 3: 5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.”
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In His Name, Ellen