Reflecting on Your Commission During COVID-19

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).

On April 29, 2020, I used this verse to speak to the importance of rest as we prepared for what was unknown and unexpected (Finding Time for Rest During COVID-19)

Since that time this verse has come up multiple times in my devotionals, in worship, in music, and the everyday workings of God in my life at school and home. Most recently in my times of rest on Sunday I have wrestled with this verse and this word:

com·mis·sion

an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people.

In the book of Esther, you could look at her royal position as her commission. Esther didn’t apply for this position, she wasn’t transferred to Persia from another place, and her commission wasn’t something she had dreamed about for years. She was called to become Queen and used her position and her voice to save her people. 

During the 2020-21 school year educators across the world were given an incredible commission, one that wasn’t expected, and for many of us….one we might have wanted to return. Now that the end of a year of reversals, pivots, and points of clarity is coming closer we can take the time to reflect on God’s calling in our commission this year. 

Here is the assignment: print these questions, write them down or take a picture of them on your phone. Take a walk, find a quiet space, and reflect on the work God has called you to. 

What was your commission?

Who did you serve? Why do you feel called to this work?

First, reflect on why you were called to teach, lead or serve in the first place. After 21 years in education, I don’t often take the time to reflect on why I started doing this in the first place. Reflecting on what you have accomplished in your years of service and the God sightings along the way is an incredible way to reclaim our grounding during an unsettling season. 

Reflect: What was your commission this year?

Who did you serve? How did you draw closer to your calling after this year? 

In a year of grief, fear, loss, and testing of what we thought we knew and what we know now there is an opportunity to look at all those challenges as chances to equip us with a stronger faith and renewed purpose to our original commission. 

Advocate: Why did God call you to this specific position? 

What gifts did you bring to the students you served this year?

Too often this year I started my morning journal with Why me God? Instead of what are you wanting me to do God? 

What unique gifts have you been given to support students, families, and staff? Why did God appoint you to your positions for such a time as this? 

Rejoice: How have you shown God’s love to those you serve, at school and home? And how has God shown light upon you in a dark season?

Because of COVID-19…I was able to…..

And finally….find joy. In a year of darkness how did light shine upon you and how did you reflect that toward your students, staff, and families? 

While I know so many of you are May tired (and it really is May now), please don’t lose this opportunity to reflect on your learnings this year and the times God has walked in front of you paving the way, beside you helping to carry the weight you feel is too difficult on your own, and behind you celebrating the commission created specifically for your life. 

You have been called to your specific commission for such a time as this, don’t lose the opportunity to reflect on your purpose and place in life.

Check Out These Additional Resources

Episode 46: 3-Step Guide to Finding Purpose and Gratitude

Overflow Worship Podcast

Spring TOV CEAI 2021 – Purpose: Discover Your Calling