Courage & Calling

An Invocation for Times Like These

We have the choice
to use the gift of our life
to make the world a better place—
or not to bother.

-Jane Goodall-

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Courage & Calling:
The Theme for the Month of October

In times like these our attention can often wander off into the regions of “why bother?” A kind of relentless helpless feeling.

Some days I can venture into that thicket and spiral down a rabbit hole for too long. Maybe you can relate.

In all the chaos and clamor I believe we need tangible reminders to listen to our own inner voice. To re-call why we’re here and what we’re called to be and do.

As Jane Goodall reminds us: we have a choice.
To use the gift of our life for good—or not to bother.

This month I invite you to reflect with me on the theme of “Courage & Calling.”

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The Latin verb “vocare” (where we get the word “vocation”) means “to call” or “to invoke.”

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Invocation for this October Day:

Thanks be to the Courageous Spirit
within us and around us
that we have awakened this day to
the awakening of life itself.

For the grit and grace to face a new day,
For an inner voice that calls forth our best,
For the audacity to believe that
we can make a difference in the world around us,

We give thanks.¹

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A question for personal reflection this week:

“In what ways am I using my gifts to make the world better?

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As always, I’d love to know your thoughts…

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1. Adapted from my book “Each Day As It Comes: Morning & Evening Meditations for Living Through Change.”