Opening the Door to God’s Call

This past weekend, I attended “Called to Wholeness: Listening to God’s Invitation in Every Dimension of Life,” our synod’s discernment retreat at Green Lake Conference Center. It was recommended for me because I have felt certain “nudges” in the last few months, and after having conversations with mentors, I knew it was time to dig a little deeper into what those could mean.

This was a time to engage with fellow disciples in prayer, connection, and relationship. We spent 24 hours playing, praying, studying the Word, laughing, crying, listening, singing, and just “being.” We allowed ourselves to be vulnerable when needed and supported each other when we needed it. It was a diverse group of people from all stages and ages of life.

Called to Wholeness introduced us as whole human beings but flipped the table when we learned that we are not human beings having spiritual experiences, but spiritual beings having human experiences. We learned not only about each other, but a lot about ourselves and what our Top five God-given strengths and talents were. Some of us were surprised, and others not so much. We learned that discernment is not so much about vocation as it is about relationship and following God’s call—and that looks different for each of us.

I allowed myself to be open and authentic and was given permission to be real, loud, cry, and, when needed, speak out when something felt off. Through all the conversations, exercises, and quiet reflective time in God’s beautiful Wisconsin landscape, I once again felt the presence of the Holy Spirit around me. I was able to confidently say that when we open ourselves to hear, the Spirit speaks loudly and clearly to those who allow it.

Did I figure out all the answers? No. But this retreat showed me that no matter which doors in front of me I open, there is Light behind them if I focus on the fact that God loves me wholly. God has given me talents and strengths to use and share.

In our baptism, we have a bodily connection to Jesus Christ. We also have connections as humans to each other, and the Holy Spirit is ready and waiting to guide those of us listening to the call to learn, do, connect, and form relationships in this Church!

So, if you’ve ever wondered what God is trying to tell you, consider this retreat—you may hear and learn more than you thought!

Laurie Sturzenegger
Member of Good Shepherd, Wausau