Learn

Two years ago I started planning for my retirement from full-time employment in healthcare and I also started an informal process of “discernment” about what I would be doing with all the “extra time”. In my denomination, Episcopal, there is a formal process for those seeking ordination to the clergy or diaconate. I’ve served on a handful of those committees and as part of the process asked myself if I was feeling a calling to become clergy. In all cases, the answer has returned as a “no.” I knew I wanted to spend time in service to God, but what does that look like as a layperson?  I asked a few close friends to help with the process by listening to me and probing me with questions when I was gravitating toward one area or another. Over the past two years they’ve asked insightful questions: “What have you done that has brought you joy?”“What are the ministries that you are passionate about in serving the Lord?”“Is there a person, place or activity that consistently centers your s