I’m always in awe of the many talented people out there who are seemingly fearlessly stepping into their calling.  Each person’s gifts are so different from everyone else’s and it really is beautiful when we take time to notice how everyone if they choose to, can use those gifts for good.  When I refer to a calling, I’m using it in the broader sense that it could be anything from a life’s vocation or profession to a strong impulse or inclination.  I think we are called on many levels and some seemingly small things that we may feel called to do could ultimately change the course of our lives.  

That is what happened to my friend, Shauna Letellier.  She tells the story about how during a very stressful time in her life, she was raising her three boys and had two foster children (all between the ages of 2 and 7) and she felt like she was failing.  During that time, she heard a message about Peter when he was having a rough night and was failing too.  He then encountered Jesus and everything changed.  She couldn’t get the story out of her mind, and after rereading it several times, had the urge to write the story in her own words.  That one event ultimately set her on a path that will pave the way for many to benefit from her gift of storytelling.  I had the pleasure of interviewing her in the episode of Reviving Your Soul (Now Longing for More) called Remarkable Faith, which also happens to be the name of her first book.  She goes into much more detail in the podcast and I hope you’ll go listen to it to hear her story.  

What I really loved about her journey was that before that incident, she hated to write!  She avoided it at every opportunity.  But, she listened to that voice whispering in her ear and she took action.  Now, if you listen to the podcast, you’ll find out that her immediate action didn’t lead to immediate results in her new career.  It took years of persistence and discipline to bring all of her small steps and determined efforts to a published book.  I love how she ties the characters in her books into her own thoughts, and if truth be told, my own thoughts.  

“Shouldn’t it be easier?  Shouldn’t I not be so needy?”  I love her quote that faith is based not on performance but on dependence. It’s a lesson I am being reminded of every day in this path I have chosen to follow.  
What about you?  Do you, too, feel like life should be easier?  Do you struggle with doubts and fears around the things you are being called to do?  Just because it isn’t easy, doesn’t mean it isn’t for you.  In fact, it’s possible that Jesus is calling you to do something you hate or feel you don’t have the skills to do. Truly, the growth you will experience when you take that first, second, or 100th step will be so rewarding that you’ll be glad you took it.  Its the remarkable faith that you exhibit when you take each and every one of those steps that ultimately brings so much joy that at some point you will turn around in amazement at what you really are capable of.  

Another quote from Shauna that I loved was, “Don’t despise the time it takes.”  This has real meaning for me as it does take time to learn new skills and find your place.  The key is not to quit, but rather to learn from the gifts of patience and persistence you are gaining along the way.  Something I’ve learned is that it isn’t the journey or the destination; it is both the journey and the destination.  

Be sure to listen to the podcast to hear in much more detail the rich wisdom that Shauna has to share.  Then I hope you will go to her website and learn more about her and her books.  She truly is one of those extremely talented people that had the courageous faith to step into her calling.  And I, for one, am glad she did.  

You can learn more about Shauna at: www.shaunaletellier.com