In our mid-twenties, two years married, my husband Jeff and I welcomed our first child, Katie, into the world. Our journey into parenthood was not what we expected. Despite our thorough preparations, nothing could have prepared us for relentless back labor and a traumatic 14-hour delivery. When Katie was born, her initial bluish hue transformed to a vibrant pink with the help of oxygen from a caring nurse. I felt overwhelming love and gratitude for our healthy baby girl, but I was injured from childbirth and emotionally exhausted.
Our plans to bond quietly with our newborn changed dramatically. We were humbled because we realized we could not control everything. From the moment of the first contraction, Jeff rose to the occasion, comforting me for 14 hours straight, and then embraced his role as a hands-on dad by giving Katie her first bath. I treasure that photo. Our mothers moved in to care for us during those tender first weeks. Jeff and I found ourselves living out our marital vows in new and beautiful ways we could not have planned. Our family shared the daily joys and challenges of caring for Katie in the first weeks, creating a profound richness of memories. This unexpected experience became a profound lesson in vocational love—a calling God has for each of us.
Each person has a unique personal calling to utilize one’s unique gifts from God within vocational life, which encompasses three types of relationships: our personal relationship with God, our commitment to our state of life, be it ordained, religious, married, single, parenthood, and our work and service in the world.[1]
Have you ever thought of your life in terms of your vocations? Each moment of our life, challenging or mundane, offers us opportunities to deepen our vocational calling and enrich our relationships with others, and ultimately, with God. Even science recognizes that life meaning, a component of human flourishing, arises from utilizing our character strengths to benefit others.[2] As Christians, we understand flourishing as our growing gratitude for life and increasing intimacy with God.
Challenges can expose our weaknesses, but they also call on our resilience and resourcefulness, testing our strength and creating space for love to flourish around us. Yet, I understand there are times when we feel alone, our suffering unnoticed by those we hold dear, or it feels like no one understands us. In these moments we are invited to deepen our relationship with God. Flourishing, lasting happiness and peace are found in the sanctification of Christ’s love through both joys and trials.
May we all be refreshed by the water of our faith and may the fire from our vocational calling shine a path forward on our journey through life…together.
Vocational Reflections:
- When worried or fearful, do I trust God and ask for His presence in my life?
- When I am overwhelmed, do I allow others to assist me?
- Have I explored faith resources (prayer, scripture, mass, rosary, eucharist, adoration, fellowship, etc.) for comfort and security when I am troubled?
- What relationships need nurturing in my life?
- How am I utilizing my strengths to help others?
References:
[1] Vitz, P.C., Nordling, W.J., Titus, C.S (Eds.)(2020). A Catholic Christian meta-model of the person. Integration with psychology and mental health practice. Divine University Press. https://divinemercy.edu/department-integrative-studies/catholic-christian-meta-model-of-the-person-ccmmp
[2] Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
To connect with Suzi Ellington, visit her directory profile at
https://www.catholiclifecoaches.com/suzanne-ellington
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