Ryan Halsne

As the final section of Callings begins to descend to its end, the Post-Christian World is described further by a few more writers. One of these writers is historian and sociologist Max Weber. As Weber is not of a Christian profession, his views span across broader ideas of social actions that Protestants should be committing. This sociologist argues that "the asceticism of many Protestants, their opposition to luxury and ostentation, and their dedication to hard work contributed to the birth of capitalism" (Callings, p. 371). Weber furthers his focus point with a description of how this is, and how Protestants live their life. He explains how puritans avoid luxury and showy-ness by restricting consumption in a way where one uses wealth for the good of the community rather than personal indulgence or gain. As all participate in the economic system by working, and getting paid, this low consumption results in an accumulation of wealth, leading to corruption, and finally reform. He discusses different arguments and elaborates on the Puritan view that one glorifies God by working hard and at the best of their ability, regardless of the profession. Weber's focus of a more social stand point was refreshing when compared to the heavy and specific Christian perspectives argued throughout the rest of the book.

This passage from Weber is a shared point of view of how a Christian may live their life economically. Whether one likes it or not, money is a part of our culture and is unavoidable. It's what a person does with his or her money that makes a difference to God, and others. Though a vocation isn't directly correlated with a profession, most go to this connection initially. Within a profession, money is made. So regardless of the occupational path a person goes down, their vocation will be affected by who they choose to do with what they earn from it. In the case of the Puritan view, to please God, one must use these earnings for the sake of the surrounding community. This is the whole concept of serving your neighbor before yourself. Considering today's most accepted perspective of God's word, serving the world and one's neighbor is God's number one priority for his followers.

Weber provides an interesting element that goes into a vocation. Most readings from Callings emphasize on how to go about the vocation, and the details there, but in this reading more of the aftermath is considered. Just to clarify, a vocation isn't limited to an occupation but for the sake of Weber's discussion, we're going to focus on that. With my vocation, my intent is not to make money, though this will be necessary to maintain a living that I am comfortable with. With my intended profession as a graphic designer, I'm not planning on making large sums of money and living a luxurious lifestyle. With my previous beliefs and insight gained from Weber, I plan to uphold a comfortable living focusing more on necessities rather than wants. Whatever is left over I can use towards those who need it in this world, whether that's with strict donation or to help me to personally offer help. What I need to do is just make sure that I never forget God's intent for me, and follow through with the path that he has paved for my feet to follow.

                The 11^th annual Poehler Faith and Learning Lecture was held this last Tuesday night in the Buetow Auditorium. Every year Concordia University invites an honored speaker to present a lecture on Concordia's theme of faith and learning. This year, the speakers were Dr. Dale Trapp and Rev. Dr. Thomas Trapp. As one might guess, these two are related; they are brothers that grew up in Detroit in a Lutheran home. They both emphasized their birth, their rebirth through baptism, and their awaiting to be reborn again into eternity in heaven. As the lecture got underway into the topic, the two brothers alternated speaking, each focusing on their expertise. The title to this year's lecture was Head to Head, Heart to Heart. This is referring to the academic, book learning style of education, and the faith, and spiritual form of education. This theme coincides with the professions of the Trapps. Dale Trapp has found his work belonging to the disciplines of all kinds of science, where Tom Trapp works in the area of biblical studies, theology, and ancient biblical languages. Dr. Tom starts off the body of the lecture with a discussion about the Necessitation of Jesus Christ. Using a series of triangles, circles, and colors, he described the process of Jesus saving his people in historical context. Dr. Dale comes back to discuss experiences with his path, and then to the problems he has his students face. He elaborates on his point of view in faith, learning, and teaching. He goes over the unreachable concept of the universe, going through everything inside it, how they're connected, and how we try to understand what really only God can know.Drs. Tom and Dale alternate a few more times, discussing both of their areas of expertise before the lecture closes with questions from the audience.

                The Poehler Lecture is a direct correlation to the Honors Program because they both have the same structure of faith and learning. Here at Concordia, this is the whole point of education. The importance of incorporating spirituality into education is very much emphasized. With the Honors Program, faith and learning is established in the curriculum of a single classroom, where everywhere else on campus, learning about God and other academic work separated in different classes. Honors is much like the Poehler Lecture where the two intertwine, and bounce off each other. This makes so much more sense, since humans don't compartmentalize their lives into multiple sections. There is just one life, and everything in it is in some way connected. Figuring out how to balance these and all areas of life is where most, if not all, people are challenged. Vocationally, Christians today usually try to find a way to combine their passions from different disciplines in order to satisfy themselves and God as much as possible. Some find this to be quite the challenge, but determination for happiness and pursuit of faith will usually win the battle.

                As an honors student, I've been experiencing the faith and learning ideal all year long. Growing up in a public school, this concept was very new, and quite a shock to me. I have been so used to going to school during the week, and going to church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, completely separate from each other. As soon as I got accustomed to this learning method, I began to see its benefits. As mentioned earlier, it makes more sense to incorporate multiple levels of life and experiences into an education.   Life is going to throw things at a person from every which direction, of every size and shape, so wouldn't it be a better idea to prepare us for this? The whole purpose of college is not only to get us ready for the workforce, but to be successful in life in general. In this way, the Poehler Lecture and the Honors Program prove fruitful to be a helpful tool in creating a mindset, and giving us the understanding we need to strive in whichever direction God calls us to lead.

                Rainy days can bring many things. Many tend to find a movie, a blanket, and hot cocoa; this wasn't the case for the Concordia University track team. This Saturday's Third Annual Holst Invitational Track and Field Meet brought many teams of different divisions and conferences from the area. This meet featured teams such as the University of Minnesota, Bethel, Bemidji State, St. Catherine's, along with others. Each of these school's men and women athletes competed against each other in various kinds of running and field events. Running events spanned across short to long distances, and incorporated obstacles such as hurdles and the steeplechase. Then on the other side of the Sea Foam Stadium and along the track, field events like discus, pole vaulting, and different kinds of jump competitions showed each school's and athlete's weaknesses and strengths. Despite the struggle to keep the team tent grounded, and keep dry, the Concordia track team kept strong and found their way to success in their trials.

                Track and Field, like any sport requires a level of desire, determination, and commitment to compete in such athletic activities. Usually, people don't just do something that is as physically, mentally, and emotionally strenuous as running, without these or other strong factors. How does one acquire these characteristics in order to become athletic, and then use that ability? One major way that a person would obtain this is by feeling a calling to do so. Some find their calling from God. Just like any other path or overcoming obstacle, a person will look for that pull to a certain direction to find where they belong. The athletes from Saturday's meet found their belonging competing in track. They find themselves useful to God, and useful to their lives to partake and benefit from this activity. Most of these athletes will use not only their physical skills, but their emotional and mental skills that they've achieved through their hard work to strive in the work place and in God's work.

                My attendance to this activity really struck home for me as I was reminded of my similar competitive experience in cross country this fall. I watched my fellow teammates race hard and succeed, making me wish that I was right by their side again. Though I am not currently using my athletic abilities competitively, I still have that drive to sweat, burn, and catch the guy in front of me. As I pondered this surfacing desire to race, I found myself coming to the conclusion that I should channel this competitiveness into both my school work and my vocation. Having determination is key to all things, if one is going to be successful. Now, in my off-season, I have an overload of this fortitude which will bring me success in all of my works in life. I already have found accomplishments in my school work, despite taking on such a heavy load. Along with this, I feel the push to work much harder in all of my art exhibitions and career opportunities. One is going to find a hard time in college, and even more so in life, if they have a shortage of ambition.

                What good is working so hard on something that you have such a passion for if the world is never going to see it? This is the point of an art gallery, to present one's work, to accept critique and new perspectives. The Student Juried Art Exhibit at the Williams Gallery is a good example of this, presenting the work of Concordia University art students. It has become a tradition in the Concordia art department to put on this show at the end of every school year. The staff will bring in a local professional artist, someone who usually has had an exhibit presented in Williams before, to jury a bundle of student submitted work. This year's artist and judge was Rachel Breen, who had a showing this past fall. The weeks prior, the lobby area of the art building began to cluster with pieces of art and green submission slips. Breen took her pick at those worthy of wall space in the gallery, then the Concordia staff had their pick at the left-overs to be hung in the hallway display cases. Whatever was left remained in the lobby for students to pick up. This past Thursday, the show opened, and students, local artists, staff, parents, and curious on-lookers crowded in to have a look at the year's collection of student work. Pieces consisted of paintings, photographs, digital prints, ceramics, varying sculptures, drawings, and numerous nontraditional mediums. In the midst of the wandering eyes, Keith Williams welcomed everyone and began the awards process. The judge Rachel Breen, along with other art department professors presented and awarded selected students for their excellence. Some were awarded for individual pieces, some for their collections of work, and some for their overall contribution and involvement in the department. After scattered applause, the crowd continued on with their wandering curiosity.

                This event not only brought a narrowed sample of the ability of what art students at Concordia are capable of, but shed light on the minds of an artist. Much of the point of doing art in the first place is expression. Some people express themselves through their work in music, dance, sports, writing, academics, or in other ways. It is part of the nature of human beings to convey feelings in other ways besides words. Discovering this medium to pursue materializing thought is a crucial life decision. Many look to God to find their path. God tends to call people a certain direction where the person can be most useful, serve the world, and find satisfaction in their own lives. Vocation with an occupation can and would preferably be intertwined with such a passion where the individual can find their fulfillment. As this art show presents evidence, these selected students have found their path and plan to use their talents to serve their God, and share their passion with their viewers.

                This art show event had a more direct impact on me, considering that I was one of the art students showing work in the gallery. This was a great opportunity for me to present my hard work, and express myself not only for my own enjoyment, but for the rest of the world. This kind of activity is something that I need to get used to going into the field that I am. This is an important aspect to my calling as an artist. I learned how the process works, experienced a level of rejection, and have a much better understanding of what to expect from the remainder of my education and my career. Not only did this help me from a knowledge point of view, but it helps me add another line on my resume. The importance of establishing status and experience is crucial in any occupational path. This concept I learned early on and have learned to take advantage of opportunity that comes my way. The world can expect to see my name under pieces of art for years to come. How fulfilling could working so hard on something be if it's going to be sheltered from the world?

                Like all things, Christianity has drastically changed throughout history. As the honors class dives farther into this topic with the readings from Callings, the students find this to be very evident. From the start of a strange cult where being a Christian could mean your life; resulting in many questioning if they should even be a Christian, to where it is now where Christians have much more complex and deeper concerns. The authors from this era and section of Callings address these issues. One of which is John Henry Newman, a teacher and preacher of Oxford, who describes his interpretations. Newman focuses his writing on the concepts of obedience to God, and Christ's work through the "accidents of life". He questions if following God could be considered obedience, and whether that's a good or bad thing. He then analyzes the idea of Christ using everyday occurrences or accidents to pursue his people. Is the controversy behind it is well deserved? The analysis indicates what an "accident" would consist of and uses applicable examples of how God could use them as tools. There's no question that today's faith is much different than how it originated, yet despite the amount of time has passed, there will always be questions unanswered.

                To focus in on one particular question to get a deeper analysis, how does God use the world he's created to pursue the humans he's created? Clearly, through his son Jesus and other stories in the bible, God has the power to do whatever he wants to affect his people. Many followers in those times found the miracles of Jesus, or more "spectacular" like events to be God's attempt to prompt people in their faith. Without argument, Jesus was a prime example of how God would do so. What about today? Not to say there's a complete absence of "spectacular" miracles in the world coming from God, but his methods may have changed. When deciding to take a left or a right in life, God doesn't just send a bolt of lightning down indicating which way to turn. More or less, God will prompt one in much more subtle ways. A modern approach to how Newman describes this would be if one was to stumble across a person at a coffee shop and find a connection. Those two would then make an appoint to have coffee together regularly. One could be undergoing significant trials in life where the other may end up being able to help them get through and show them to faith. In this scenario, a person was able to find refuge from their pain and find God due to the chain reaction due to a prompting to strike up a conversation with a stranger. A common understanding is that "God works in mysterious ways", and there is no end to that. The only dilemma here is whether or not a person will choose to listen to these promptings from God and follow the path that has been laid out before them.

                Through my own experiences as a Christian, this rings true for me. I don't necessarily find that something as simple and accidental as dropping a plate, or a fly landing on my sandwich to be God's way of acting on his people. Though, I'm not going to limit what God can and cannot do. As it relates to the Holy Spirit, I definitely have seen and believe in God working intricately in every detail of our lives. I myself have felt God prompt me in very simple ways such as having a word stand out to me reminding me of a passage of scripture, leading me to read his word and find what I needed to resolve my issue. When it comes to a vocation, this concept can be very important and even life changing. In the stage of life that I am now, along with my classmates, now is a time of decision making. Where we are exploring our options, and deciding a path that we feel called to pursue. The simplest things can spark a thought that can lead to a new discover leading us in the direction that God has intended for us to follow. The best thing we can do is to keep our eyes, and our hearts open to hear what God has to say, and he will direct our steps.

                The Christus Choir at Concordia University has been known for their remarkable singing ability, unison skills, and leadership under Dr. David Mennicke. This May, the singing group is taking a trip to South Korea to tour, perform, and of course site-see and get a feel for the culture and music of the country. In order to raise money for the adventure the choir has been doing tours, concerts, and pieces at churches all over the Midwest for the extent of the school year. The most recent would be a tour spanning across Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota this past Easter break for Holy Week. This past Friday, the Christus Choir performed at their home chapel on campus for family and friends. They sang the same set of songs that they're planning on performing in Korea. The theme and structure of the concert revolved around the University's theme of the year "We Are God's People". The groupings of songs and sections of the performance were split into three parts. The first focusing on the "We" part of the theme, second on "Are God's" and thirdly on "People". Under the direction of Dr. Mennicke, the group executed an impressive cohesion of melody, moving everybody in the audience.

                As this concert was beautiful to everyone's ears, it is also beautiful to everyone's hearts. After one absorbs what's being heard and starts to analyze the content, one becomes to realize what the Christus Choir is all about. The selection of songs portrays "We are God's People" wonderfully. Each piece tells a story, describes a feeling, or in some way involves the connection people have with God. And through this message, the choir is spreading God's word and his work in the world not only to surrounding churches in the Midwest but soon to be across the world in Korea. This is a very elegant way to give service to God. Like all who participate in Christus Choir, one who has a passion for music could very well use this to pursue God in their vocation. Music tends to be the first form of worship that many go to, and there will always be a use for it.  This is a good method to serve God, serve the world, and pursue a God-honoring vocation.

                This concert got me thinking and feeling things that I haven't in a while. I've always been the kind of person who is easily affected by music, and has always used music as a form of worship, and a way to find closeness with God. With the last few months being so busy and distracting, I've come to realize that I haven't been listening to as much music. After attending this concert, I spent the remainder of my weekend listening to, researching lyrics, and contemplating meanings behind songs. This sickened me to think that I was so easily distracted by all the menial details of college life that I had discarded one of the most important things to me. This experience had awakened me to jumbled priorities so that I was able to reorganize them to where they belong. It seems to be so easy to be subdued by the daily tasks of life to the point where one can forget the very purpose of a life. Holding on to the things that keep a relationship with God and others close should always be the first on the list of daily agendas.

                Why does one go to college? Some might just want the education or the experience. But in today's time, most want to be able to succeed in a career. The convocation this Wednesday featured three alumni of Concordia in a panel format discussing the foundation of their careers. The three panelists consisted of Marcus, Jennifer, and Joel who have all found their places in the occupational world. Marcus is currently working with sales at BestBuy, Jennifer is working with marketing, and Joel has started and runs his own business. The convocation was set up where a Concordia staff member hosted and asked the panel a series of questions regarding their experiences after college, and to conclude, the audience was opened to asking questions. Everything from what helped them get to where they are, mistakes they've made, successes they've had, and advice for the current college student was discussed. What was emphasized the most was the necessity of an established network before entering into a career field. Each had stories and examples of how their experiences, internships, and social networking played a huge factor in their network that put them on the path that they're on now. This topic is an extremely relevant concern for college students that have any intent of doing something with the knowledge they gain in school.

                This convocation connects with the honors program for the obvious reason that it consists of a bunch of college kids exploring to find their career path. With the specifics of the current semester of Honors being emphasized on the faith side of a calling, it ties in the other side of a student's vocation. The honors class gives the knowledge needed to apply faith and a relationship with God with a calling; this adds detail to pursuing a calling as a career. A desire that most, if not all, college students have is to do something that they love with their life and occupation. In order to do this, one needs to understand the process and the essential aspects to achieve a vocation. It is critical that one finds this passion for what one does to apply it to their faith and to serve God and the world. Though, no one needs to have a career to serve, and honor God, intertwining this with a job can be an efficient method to finding success in life.

                This convocation added onto what has already been emphasized as important to finding a place in the work force. Coming into college at the context that I am, I and everyone my age has had these ideas jammed down our throats. Everyone wants to be clear that with the current economy, work is extremely competitive, and that it is necessary to find an edge against my challengers. Whether that is getting involved, and building that resume as soon as possible, getting the highest GPA as possible, or establishing a network. This convocation didn't really give me any new knowledge, but it did help me gain perspective of where I will be when I become a Concordia alumni. It didn't necessarily add to how I might incorporate faith with my career, but considering that I've learned a lot about this aspect, finding out more about the reverse side of vocation could be useful. The convocation wasn't completely useless, having a reminder of the importance of all of these things is great when it is so easy to get distracted with the quick-paced flow of a student's life. This will be a very crucial emphasis as I get closer and closer to the end of my college career and the beginning of the career I will hold for the next thirty-plus years.

How do people tie their faith in with their work? Richard Baxter addresses this concern in the Reformation section of Callings. Baxter was a Puritan in England during the 1600s where he rejected and conformed against the Church of England. This put him up against the King during the civil war. This, along with other actions made him rather controversial. Through a very straight-forward approach, Baxter directs the fellow Christian to the correct way to behave and perceive labor as it connects to one's calling in life. Baxter covers points across questions of the necessity of labor, the religious aspects, and the way one thinks about labor and the priorities in life that labor relates. He elaborates on how it is our duty as God's children to work not only for ourselves, but mostly for the sake of those around us. Through analysis of scripture, he makes it clear that God has intends for us to work, as it is essential to the good of the public, one's soul, and one's body. As the honors class discusses this passage of reading, the group discovers the differences in priority Baxter and Christians of his time, after the reformation, and those of the medieval time had. Probably the most drastic difference is that it is accepted and seen as no wrong to make money after the reformation where prior to, poverty was a must to serve God rightfully. Baxter added no fluff or unnecessary extras to his descriptions and clarified the importance of labor and the danger of idleness.

This section of Callings was very applicable to concerns Christians have today. As most people in this world do, one spends a majority of their life at work. The way that the United States and many other countries are structured nearly requires that work is done in order to survive. So for those who are Christian, the concern of how one can relate one's labor to their faith is important, especially when there are more non-church work occupations out there. Being that Baxter's interpretations are more accepted and relatable in today's society than that of the ancient and medieval church, it's much easier to find a connection. Baxter reiterates that anhyone can find a calling in any job, or activity. Without being directly connected to the church, one by example could find a meaning in a job as a plumber. Such a plumber could make the connection that serving their neighbor is the number one priority, and that his contribution to the public is what fulfills him, and satisfies the eyes of God. Another angle that Baxter examines is that of idleness. More strictly in America, laziness among the younger generations has become an issue. Acknowledging such idleness and changing that behavior due to a shift in perception of work could be what someone needs to find service for God. These directions are important to all in present times, as most will be engaged in labor for a large portion of their life.  

This reading, like most from Callings, reinforced my perception of what it means to be called to do something through God. I found that Baxter filled some of the cracks that were missing in my understanding. He solidified my knowledge of being able to find a calling in any act, or occupation that I take on, along with work at my service learning organization. Other than the more important and obviously meaningful works in my life, he pointed out that even the menial tasks can find a meaning. Referring to a typical summer job as a college kid, washing dishes, or working in a warehouse doesn't seem too God honoring. But that can change with a shift of perception. I've been shown that it's important that I acknowledge God's placement of my work, my obedience to him, and the services that I am providing to the public. Also that there is no reason to be complaining of it; though it might not be what anyone wants to do for the rest of their life, it is a service to God and others that one should take pride in. The other influence Baxter had on me was the point of idleness. I've always tried my best to restrain from the lazy tendencies that my peers tend to fall into. The way I've been brought up, and my nature to refrain from conformity has brought me to not have problem with being lazy and finding a lack of motivation. Though, I realized that idleness can mean more than sitting in bed all day. It can also reach a deeper meaning of being busy, and engaging in work without putting any real meaning to it; idleness of the heart. This concept has given me a new view point where doing things for the right reason is more important than the very fact of committing an act. This is a necessary message that society needs to hear to change the way they think and feel about work in order to enhance their nine-to-five's.

                How does one go about serving God in a way that is pleasing to him? Many are concerned with having the ability to use God as motivation to do good work in the world. Luther has addressed this issue as it is written in The Gospel for the Early Christmas Service section of Callings. Some feel as though the only way one can work and be called from God is by pursuing a career in the church; that it takes extreme measures of mission work, charity, and devotion to be considered good in God's eyes. This reading explains that though this is pleasing to God; this isn't the only path one needs to take to become a servant to Christ. The example of the shepherds who heard the word of Jesus' birth is used in this section. Once the shepherds had visited the birth of God's son, they didn't go off and become monks, or change the way they dressed ate, drank, or in any way. What they did is gone back to being shepherds, to serve God through that way.

                Luther interprets this through the concepts of an internal and external nature. What is external is just what is observable in a person. The way they look, the things they do, and any connections they have with the world. Though what concerns God more is the inner position of a person. The content of someone's heart, the way they think, their perspective towards life is what counts. A man can act in faithful ways and give his money to a charity, but if his intent is to make himself look good, or for a personal gain in some way, this makes no difference to God. It's when a person serves the world when the desire is in their heart, and their faith drives them to do so. This is what it takes to live a true Christian life of faith, and pursue a calling rightfully.

                This concept has clarified my pursuit of my own vocations. Regarding my work at my service learning organization, my initial reasoning for getting involved was just that it was a requirement for the honors course. Though, as my work and experiences carried on, I have found an internal desire to continue this work. As soon as this honors project is over, I will most likely continue my work at this organization. I am thankful that my initial external reasons have brought me to the discovery of an inner motivation to serve the world and God. As it relates to my vocations in other areas of life, I have found a push to pursue the callings in my life that I have this internal desire and shift my attention away from the actions I do that are more hollow. Strengthening my relationship with Christ is what is most important, and this better understanding of how to serve has helped me to do so.  

                What does one think of when they're told about a medieval king? Typically gold, fancy robes, a big red velvet throne, feasts, servants, jokers, and greed come to mind. Surprisingly enough, this wasn't the case for every king. King Louis of France from 1214 to 1270 is a good argument to redefine this stereotype.  King Louis' behavior and actions were so polarizing to this claim that his title was later changed to Saint Louis. This section of reading out of Callings by William Placher is a partial biography written by one of St. Louis' nobles, John de Joinville. His writing describes the King's regular behaviors as of a monastic life. He mentions his daily routine of song, prayer, and constant welcoming of any guest. He was known for being an extremely gracious host, and treated them as if they were kings and queens as well. If one was to look at Saint Louis and the clothes he was wearing, they would not be able to identify him as a king. He wore the simplest of hides and looked much like a monk regarding the bland robes they wore. Neither did he feast like a king. He never demanded any sort of fancy food, or meal preparation, just what he needed. His generosity stretched beyond his castle walls as well. The people of his realm were very important to him, and he gave charity regularly. He wanted the very best for his people. "I would willingly allow myself to be branded with a hot iron on condition that all wicked oaths were banished from my realm" (Placher, 141).  King Louis' good nature and application of his faith is what got him his sainthood and what people remember today.

                Isn't it refreshing to hear that someone in a position of as much power as a king was good-hearted, generous, selfless, and saintly? Saint Louis is a fine example of what leaders of today should be striving for. Saint Louis followed his calling and made an immensely positive impact on the people and world around him. Though it's more than likely that he was born into his "occupational" role as king, he was still able to follow a vocation within it by utilizing his faith in his leadership. When one thinks about their life ahead of them, many come to the conclusion that they want to make a difference and an impact on the world. Most would agree that being a king is the easiest way to do that. So once one accomplishes that role, what do they do with it? Many (particularly in today's time) would abuse that power role, be consumed with it, and do things based on what they themselves want. The moves that they would make would be to benefit themselves, their position, and to get more and more. St. Louis saw now appeal in this path, fought against it, and basically did as much of the opposite as he could. Very few, if any, can argue against his actions being admirable and good; especially considering his sainthood.

                I find much admiration in Saint Louis. Living today, I generally dislike anyone in a political power role assuming their nature to not do their job of helping and serving the people. I realize I'm making an extreme generalization, but that's typically my attitude. So to hear that a king of France was able to accomplish sainthood without living a monastic life in that time is incredible. It bums me out even to not be living in his time, or not having someone like him out there today. This story of St. Louis has shown me that no matter what path of vocation you take, you are able to use God's calling within it. If someone can be in a role that is so well-known to consume people with power and greed and still remain of good faith and do the right thing to that extent, then I know I can accomplish it no matter what I do. I also have gained the attitude through this reading and others that you always have something to give. Whether you can potentially have everything like St. Louis, or literally have nothing like St. Francis (the next story in Callings, about a man who gave up all of his possessions to live for Christ). I know now that, "Oh, I'm a college student, I don't have any time, and I definitely don't have any money" is no excuse to serving the world. I feel even more confident that I can serve God with whatever direction I take. There is no requirement you need to meet to serve God.