“Many are called but few are chosen.” (Matt 22:14).
I learned this verse in third grade at the Good News Club. This was a Christian-after-school-program. The leaders of the program, Mrs. Dunkerton and Mrs. Smithebothom, gathered little children together to sing songs, hear Bible stories, and memorize verses for fun and prizes. I think I won a pale blue wallet with the “called and chosen” verse.
At the time, I didn’t think much about the meaning of these words. I just wanted that wallet.
I’ve heard this verse interpreted as a statement of Christian exclusivity.
I think it’s more about sacrificing the ego’s agenda.
Love summons the many, in fact everyone. Love calls you relentlessly. Love never shuts up. But will you choose it?
Last September, love summoned me. I was in Vancouver, minding my own business, sitting with my in-laws and stepchildren in a restaurant overlooking a bay. We were about to chow down on fresh B.C. salmon.
I pulled out my cell-phone to find a wedding photo to show them. In searching for the picture, I noticed an email from Nipun Mehta of ServiceSpace. The email invited me to India for a gathering called Gandhi 3.0.
I saw the email and thought of the Bible verse.
I knew I had been summoned. I knew I was called and chosen, shaken and stirred. I showed the email to my family and immediately said, “Oh shit. Yes. I’m going back to India.” Then I started to cry – a little bit fearful, not knowing why I was going, but mostly inspired by the pull of a Love greater than my small wants and needs.
Later I tried to wriggle out of my “yes.” I have a complex history with India that I’ll write about soon. Plus I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to go in January, a busy time for me. I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave the comforts of California – my animals, my husband, my home.
So I asked the church board, “I probably shouldn’t go to India with Nipun Mehta, right?”
“Are you crazy?” they replied. “You have to go.”
Again I said yes. I bought my ticket. I chose love’s call.
It was an act of trust inspired by invisible Love assembling visible components for It’s mystical agenda. Yes.
Reflections: How is Love calling you? Are you choosing to answer Love’s call? Can you identify a place where Love may be assembling details of your life for something hidden yet wonderful?
Very timely for me to read these words. Thank you for this inspiring blog. 🌷💕🙏🏻
LikeLike
Love is calling. I hear it. I am answering but sometimes that stupid party crasher “unworthiness” gets in the way.
LikeLike
Oh yes. May I quote you? It seems to be the way we’re made and I’d like to address it. I believe in you Shelly. You are amazing. With Love, Bonnie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I I’m looking forward to taking this journey of your journey
LikeLike
🙂 Thanks Scott. I am looking forward to sharing it. Love, Bonnie
LikeLike
Dear Bonnie,
Congratulations on the invitation. You are so deserving.
With love and gratitude for all that you do,
Michael A. Stilinovich
LikeLike
Thank you Michael. It was a wonderful experience – very humbling. With Love, Bonnie
LikeLike
We are going through our Hermynie’s process of crossing the Rainbow, in the Pain and Knowing, “Yes” is comforting. Thank you Bonnie
LikeLike
Sending sweet prayers to you at this time of grace and sorrow. Love to all – Bonnie
LikeLike
Pingback: Impermanence | Daily Beloved
Pingback: Belonging | Daily Beloved
Pingback: When Ripples Have Ripples | Daily Beloved