How do you know?

        "How do you know if you’re called?  How do you know if you’re being called?  You’re a pastor, so what was it like for you?  How did you know you were called into ministry?"

        If you’ve ever had a house, then you know there’s always something that needs to be done.  Sometimes it’s something you can take care of yourself.  Other times, it requires the help of a skilled professional.  We’ve had a storm drain installed, a roof patched, trees removed.  You name it.  But, in my short-lived experience, I’ve never had a conversation with a repairman or contractor like that – that is, until about a month ago.  

        I’m on long distance with a young man who is sharing with me the details of a work estimate.  We’re discussing materials, labor, time, and all of those specifics.  I’m trying to ask informed questions.  And then, he asks me a question that leaves me stunned.  "I was looking at your card again," he says, "and I noticed you’re a pastor.  So I had something I was hoping to ask you."  (My mind immediately thought, "Uh-oh? There’s no telling where this is going.").  Then, he asked it.  "How do you know if you’re called?  You’re a pastor.  So what was it like for you?  How did you know you were called into ministry?  I feel like God’s been trying to show me something.  I keep having these dreams.  I keep feeling like he’s nudging me at church.  I think maybe he’s calling me to be in ministry.  But how do you know?"  
Stunned silence.

        I still haven’t recovered from that moment.  I don’t know if I’ll ever have a conversation like that again with a contractor, but I hope I do.  After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I did my best to try to affirm him and listen.  We have covenanted to be in prayer and meet to discuss this further.  And so, tonite I'm praying for a contractor and his wife.  God, use these materials to build your Kingdom.  Amen.