Calling: Called to Echo Hallelujah

Published: April 13, 2021

I was called to be light in darkness,
To seek truth, all truth, God's truth.
I was called to echo hallelujahs resonating
From a thousand quivering gingko leaves,
Gilded from the long rays of last light.
Then I was called to wait for the still small voice,
To retreat to a quiet place, to write a poem.
I was called to make altars in meadows and woods,
To walk about and pray about and wonder about.

I was called to be the whole student, to become a new creation,
To connect with culture and search scripture, to endure an exodus,
To open doors to a Simple Room.
I was called upon in classrooms and practice rooms
To give more, worry less, try again, to love learning.
In sanctuaries I was called to seek and to offer,
To ponder anew.
I was given grace and took time, let go of regret and held on to hope.

I needed to learn how to listen. I needed to find my voice.
I needed to learn how to risk, to let disappointment
And my own weakness be sculpted into something strong.
I was called to go, and to return.
I needed to heed the calling even when inconvenient, intangible,
To continue to answer the call,
The collect, the call to worship, to sing both the call and response
Again and again across all my years even to this day.

Photo: Karla (Kugler) Winslow

GC Vision: We inspire our students to embrace God's call. Go here to tell us your story about embracing God's call.