Uncovering Calling
Issue 022
JULY 11, 2018
WRITTEN BY JULIE MOUNT
Julie Mount is a board member of the Crowded House Network, a missional network of house churches in Central Florida. Julie was raised in the area; she and her husband, Jonathan, have lived in central FL for over 15 years. They are the parents of two daughters and a son. Julie is a former elementary school teacher with a Masters degree in Education, turned stay at home mother. Their house church involves the entire family unit and strives to include the children every step of the way, acknowledging that children are both the present and future of the church.
As a child, one of my favorite things in our home was the refrigerator in our kitchen. Beyond all the goodies it contained, I loved it because it was almost completely adorned with remnants of us, from our most prized works of art to papers marked with hard earned grades. My sisters and I brought them home and our mother proudly displayed them for all who entered to see.
Fast forward to my life as a wife and mother. Our kitchen also has a refrigerator, but it isn’t quite as colorful. Stainless steel, in fact. There is only one panel on its side that is visible and can be used for displaying such things. Currently there is an outline of my oldest daughter’s hand, that has been a gentle reminder of just how quickly they grow, a picture of our beloved dog we lost last year, and many other trinkets my children have made and collected.
Just recently, as I was making room for more works of art, I uncovered a magnet I received years ago from a bible study leader that has been hidden beneath other treasures for some time. It serves as a reminder of why we are all here, and that we must continue to listen to where the Lord is leading us. It reads,
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1
Since my early 20s, I have felt called to teach. I responded to that for years as an elementary school teacher. As I became a mother, that season ended, and I heard Him calling again. This time in a church setting as a Sunday school teacher. After some time, yet again, I felt the Spirit stirring within me.
“During this season, I have prayed consistently, struggled often, and listened intently (albeit impatiently at times) for the Lord to further uncover His calling on my life.”
During this season, I have prayed consistently, struggled often, and listened intently (albeit impatiently at times) for the Lord to further uncover His calling on my life. And He led me to The Crowded House Network. I heard the calling deep within me. He has called me to use wisdom I have gained from my past to help lead this spiritual family on mission together.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
When I heard the call to teach, I listened and faithfully followed. As He continues to reshape me and my calling, I often feel less and less equipped for where He is leading. I find myself searching His Word for discernment and understanding, for encouragement and guidance, just as Paul writes in 2 Timothy. I also seek wisdom from mentors and peers, friends and family. We are not meant to do this alone, lest we misinterpret the true calling.
Reflecting on where my journey of discovery began, it is evident that in all stages of my walk I have been stretched and challenged. This feeling, frequently uncomfortable, has always resulted in a closer relationship with our Lord and a desire to fulfill my place in the Kingdom. Thanks be to God. All the glory is His.
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so the the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12