Embrace Your Assignment

December 1, 2025

I have definitely learned that “trying to control life on our terms” is exhausting. Our lives can overwhelm us. Sometimes it leaves us questioning. What is God calling me to be? Am I on the right path? Is this what I am supposed to do or be?

Our society is very task-oriented. Being busy and productive is considered a sign of success. Our time is considered valuable when we have something to show for it. Measuring our worth by how much we accomplish, how many goals we reach, and how much we accumulate can leave us spiritually empty.

Our life is filled with a series of assignments. Starting at a young age, we have homework, tests, and drills. Then those assignments turn into tasks, chores, and obligations. Throughout our lives, we assume roles, positions, specific jobs, and duties. You might be a son, daughter, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend, spouse, companion, teacher, boss, leader, mentor, or guide.

We move through many life stages (infant, kid, teenager, young adult, adult, mid-lifer, maturity). During each stage, one is learning how to learn.

Life’s curriculum (and the extracurricular activities of our lives) is our classroom. We are life-long learners. We have trials and tribulations, ups and downs, successes and failures. How might your life experiences help you grow, transform, and evolve, leading you to your true callings?*

For me, this gives rise to thought and reflection. Have you ever felt like you’ve been living someone else’s life or dream? Have you been sidetracked or occupied by what you thought was your calling or purpose?

There will be big assignments and small assignments. Have you paused long enough to ask, “Is this my assignment”? Have you asked God, “Is this my assignment”?

Let me give you an example. Currently, my art feels energetic, creative, and purposeful. I have an intense confidence and desire to create that I never had before. I look back at my life and think, Did I waste my time doing this or that?

Why do things seem different? Maybe life’s twists and turns, rabbit holes, dead ends, and detours have led me here. In every stage of life, we are being called to pay closer attention to what brings us joy, ease, and satisfaction.

Why do we spend so much time resisting God’s call? Is what you are longing for exhausting and draining you? Stop seeking praise and approval that depletes you. If what you desire is someone else’s assignment, let it go. There will be dry spells in our lives; there will be uncertainty, questioning, and endless waiting. I’ve learned the hard way that there is a difference between sinking or swimming, being challenged, and struggling.

We need to set aside time to quiet ourselves and be present to God. I’m trying to listen attentively. I’m trying to ask God to guide me to my purpose and assignment at this stage of my journey. You might find me whispering – “Allow me to go where you lead me…”.

I am happy to report that when you are confident in your “called” assignment, you will delight in it, rest in it, and flow with it. Obvious and apparent examples: being in nature, exercising, listening to music, cooking and gardening, laughing with family and friends… Take time to notice when these moments, minutes, and experiences happen. Savor them.

It’s YOUR TRUTH, YOUR CALLING, YOUR PURPOSE,
When your ideas are easy, and they give you pleasure.

JJH

*Yes, plural. We have many callings in life!