by David Barickman

I came to the Center for Faith and Vocation to help students consider their vocation, explore their faith and or values, and make meaningful connections between the two. While this did happen, I also found myself participating in my own self-exploration.

Speaking as a seminary student, it has not been uncommon for me to use the word “calling” or “vocation” to refer to my future plans. However, just because I attach these words to my future plans doesn’t mean I have unpacked, explored, and wrestled with how I hope to live out my “calling.”

My time this year at Butler’s Center for Faith and Vocation has been an incredible season of personal exploration for me. During my three years at Christian Theological Seminary there have been many vocational questions that I seemed to continually face time and time again. Questions such as: “Do I feel a calling to ordained ministry?” “Is my current denomination the right denomination for me?” “In what type of context am I called to do ministry?” “What am I most passionate about?” “What are my biggest strengths and weaknesses?”

Spending time each week with Daniel reflecting on my experiences at the CFV has been an incredibly clarifying experience. Having the time to unpacking my reactions to my experiences has been a gift.

In one such weekly meeting, I was reflecting on having planned, put together, and facilitated a labyrinth walk in the Reilly room. I found that the experience had been very meaningful for me. In discussing this with Daniel, I came to realize this experience was somewhat of a metaphor for my vocation. Using my skills to plan and facilitate space for others to have a meaningful spiritual experience. This is one of many vocational touchstones I am thankful for in my experience at the CFV.

It’s not that I have ultimately solved or answered the questions I mentioned above. It is more so that I have gained a greater understanding about myself in relation to these questions, so that, when I approach these questions now, I approach them without the anxiety and fear that I once did.

I am excited to take the lessons I learned at the CFV this year and continue to learn about myself and my calling along the journey of life. Hopefully, I will have the chance to aid others in their own self exploration along the way.