Vocations

THURS., AUG. 19, 1982, 5:45 AM
HAMMAMOTO’S KITCHEN, HONOLULU

You are slipping a bit too far from the reality I want you to know and about which I want you to tell. You are slipping into a pattern that I don’t like, and I know you don’t like either. So, o son, hear some words of admonition, all in the spirit of better perspective on the best values in life.

One’s vocation can be a life work or it can represent what work a person is doing for some period of time, with some conviction. It should not be a term used for a job that is done for a short time only or mainly for the wages received. Your vocation is teaching, and that began at Punahou many years ago… and also at the Central Union Church school. It has continued all through these years in many forms, including your writings (among which are the Ruminations, which must be written shortly after you return) and your song and story presentations.

Teaching is a vocation of help to others. It may involve providing information and/or skills. At its best it helps others learn how to learn so that they are not so dependent on the teacher alone for later learning.

Isn’t that a nice, gentle beginning for a teaching that has to be somewhat critical of your present behavior in talking about vocations? My major point is that the supreme vocation is service to Me, by whatever avenue it comes. You have not spoken much of the ways in which your sons are developing vocations with spiritual dimensions clearly included.

You have spoken mostly of your oldest son, Bob. It is well to be proud of him for his academic accomplishments, but emphasize that his study of Churches is not merely an academic one… that he has found an area to study which shall help him understand how Christians have worshipped Me in times past. He is also beginning his vocation as a teacher and as one who gives music to others. It is fine that he is at Princeton, but I want more emphasis on how his potential vocation relates to Me and My purposes.

You have not spoken enough of Michael. He does not yet have a degree, and he has not gone to a prestige school, but his major vocation is of much delight to Me. Through his service others are better able to help one another, and the church of which he is a part is more of a real member of the Body of Christ. His secondary vocation is like unto Mine, as Jesus. Working wood into more beautiful and useful forms is a vocation of which I am proud. I have a special feeling for all carpenters, but particularly for those who think of their vocation, at least in part, as a service to Me and to some of your fellow humans.

You have not spoken enough of John Patrick. He also has not pursued higher education, but he is embarking on a vocation of service through useful products, and he is clearly aware of the spiritual aspects of his work. He is learning to teach others, and though a major emphasis is on the capitalistic aspect (that is not of direct concern to Me), he does also focus on helping others and a concern for others as more than buyers and sellers. He also is learning to use these teachings, and shall soon be able to direct the learning of others with these as a basis.