Your Life, Your Heart
February is typically thought of as the “heart” month. It’s the time that we celebrate our love through Valentine's cards, candy, and gifts. Our thoughts turn to love and romance and all things associated with the heart.
In health care, heart health is heavily promoted as February is designated as National Heart Month. We remind and educate you to think about heart disease, healthy hearts, healthy diets, exercise, etc. We talk a lot about risk factors and heart-healthy lifestyles, and how to maintain your heart.
This February, I invite you to think a bit differently about your heart; to view heart health in a more spiritual light. We sometimes hear the phrase “heart’s desire” or “life’s work”. What does that mean? Likely, it carries different connotations for each of us as we each are designed very differently and intentionally by God.
I have a strong memory of the condolences that I received at the loss of my parents. Over and over again, I heard what a kind person my daddy was and what a big heart had. Others comforted me with how my sweet mama lived into her heart’s calling in her life and gave so much to others. Since then, I’ve thought a lot about these words and how to define this.
“Your life’s calling.” What is that? Is it something grand and extraordinary? Is it a remarkable impact that you leave on the world? Is it as simple as being a good friend or neighbor to others?
Vocation is another word for life’s calling. Our vocation can be expressed in and through our paid work, volunteer service, and the roles we fulfill daily, such as parent, partner, spouse, grandparent, neighbor, or friend.
Our calling can also shift, change and strengthen as we move through the various seasons of life. When we are young parents, we may struggle to find time to juggle the duties of parenthood and volunteerism. While others may claim the benefits of aging, lie in having the ability to give back more than they did when younger. Giving back is one way to align talents with needs and live out a calling.
Take a moment to reflect on your heart and your own sense of calling or vocation and how it impacts your overall sense of wellness.
If someone were to ask you, “What do you think is your heart’s calling in life?” how would you answer? If you aren’t sure, take some time to reflect on this.
Has your sense of how you want to give back to the world shifted or changed over your lifetime?
Is there a shift you are sensing that you want to make right now, one that would help you more fully connect your gifts and talents with the needs of the world and help you better express your sense of calling?
In your work, in whatever way that you define work, how satisfied are you currently? Is your work/life balance healthy?
What does it mean to have a “big heart?” The Old Testament tells us that God enlarged Solomon's heart in answer to Solomon’s prayers. When God enlarges our hearts, he is preparing us for more of what he has prepared for us. The more we feed on God’s word, the more our hearts are enlarged to receive it.
Spending time in discernment and prayer with our Father can help guide us in all the matters of our hearts. We live in a time where there is so much divisiveness, anger, and negativity, which all impact our health in so many ways. Let God take your heart and help you find your joy in whatever your “work” may be so that you bring praise to Him. Happy Heart Month!!
