Everyone has a mission

By Jim Larson

“Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility.” The powerful opening statement from Pope Francis’ 2015 address to Congress caught my immediate attention while reading the transcript of his presentation. Francis reminds us that as a society we must commit ourselves to address common needs particularly for those “in situations of greater vulnerability or risk.” How can we who are called to this mission contribute in meaningful ways?

I was given the opportunity to review my personal mission thirteen years ago when a successful career in engineering came to an abrupt close from the sale of a company and I embarked on my current adventure as a middle school math and science teacher. I can assure you that I didn’t rise in melodramatic fashion in a family meeting and tearfully proclaim my new vocation! Honestly, I simply assessed my skill sets to match with a new profession that would contribute to our desire to allow my spouse to continue her career in pediatric nursing and my children’s desires to remain in their comfort zone within their Catholic school communities. Lessons learned: recognize opportunities to further our mission even in the face of adversity. Always be reflective.

The Dalai Lama states, “If we make an effort we can change the world. Those who are still young can make a difference and shape a better future. For my part, I try to encourage interest in inner values and I believe that if I influence ten people and each of them does the same, we’ve reached one hundred. And so it goes on. This is the way to educate people.” Lesson learned: recognize the power of exponential growth from our mission.

In Thomas Berger’s novel, Little Big Man, the character Old Lodge Skins recites his death prayer to the Creator. “Thank you for all my victories and for all my defeats. Thank you for my vision, and for the blindness in which I saw further.” Lesson learned: offer thanks for your opportunities to fulfil your mission.

Skol!