This episode of "Coping" covers a discussion about discovering one's calling through three key 'calling clues.' The hosts, Kathy and Kevin, explore how these clues can help people uncover their life's purpose. The three clues discussed are Campaign (what causes people feel passionate about), Curiosity (what naturally fascinates people), and Childhood (early life indicators of calling). Kevin shares his passion for end-of-life care and palliative care, while Kathy reveals her background in education despite initial resistance. The conversation concludes with a guided meditation led by Kevin to help listeners connect with their calling.

Highlights

Introduction to Calling Clues

Kathy introduces the episode's focus on recognizing 'calling clues' that can help discover one's purpose. She compares finding a calling to solving a mystery and announces that they will explore three specific clues.

First Clue: Campaign

The first clue discussed is 'Campaign' - focusing on causes or issues people feel strongly about. Kevin shares his passion for palliative care and end-of-life care, particularly regarding advanced care planning and directives. They reference Brené Brown's example of starting a global conversation about shame and resilience.

Second Clue: Curiosity

The discussion moves to 'Curiosity' as the second clue, examining what naturally fascinates people. They emphasize paying attention to reading choices, podcast preferences, and conversation topics as indicators. Kevin explains his curiosity about death and decision-making, while Kathy realizes her general curiosity about human behavior and decision-making.

Third Clue: Childhood

The final clue explores childhood indicators of calling. Kathy shares her family background in education and her initial resistance to becoming a teacher. Kevin discusses his early inclination toward priesthood. They emphasize how childhood dreams often contain profound clues about one's calling.

Closing Meditation

The episode concludes with Kevin leading a guided meditation designed to help listeners connect with their calling. The meditation involves visualization of a peaceful landscape and passing through a symbolic portal to gain insights about one's perfect work.

Summary

This bonus recording is of Kathy Young Deegan reading of 'Blessing for When the Road is Long' by Kate Bowler. It's a spiritual meditation about finding strength in moments of weakness and exhaustion. The piece incorporates biblical references from Jeremiah 6:16 and Isaiah 41, focusing on themes of spiritual guidance, divine support, and finding rest in moments of complete vulnerability.

Highlights

Introduction and Opening Prayer

The opening sets a tone of vulnerability and spiritual seeking as Kathy Young Deegan introduces the blessing's title and author.

Biblical Guidance and Blessing of Weakness

Kathy recites Jeremiah 6:16, emphasizing the importance of seeking ancient paths and divine guidance. She then offers blessings for those who must acknowledge their weakness and surrender their burdens, suggesting that simply existing is enough in moments of struggle.

Finding Rest in Stillness

The blessing describes a profound moment of stillness that becomes a sacred space for divine presence, where rest and wholeness can be found. This section emphasizes the transformative power of complete surrender.

Divine Strength in Human Weakness

The reading concludes with Kathy sharing Isaiah 41's promise of divine support, highlighting the paradoxical truth that God's strength becomes most evident at the point of human weakness.

Summary

This episode of "Coping" covers different ways people view work, based on Professor Amy Rizinski's research framework. Kathy and Kevin Deegan explore three primary perspectives: work as a job (focused on paycheck), work as a career (focused on advancement), and work as a calling (focused on meaning and fulfillment). The conversation delves into how societal changes have led to people seeking more purpose in their daily work activities. The speakers share personal experiences, including Kevin's journey from working at a pizza parlor to pursuing education, and Kathy's evolution from teaching to finding a greater calling. They emphasize the importance of identifying one's mindset towards work and discuss strategies for discovering one's vocation, including the need to pause and reflect.

Highlights

Introduction to Different Views of Work

Kathy and Kevin introduce the topic of how people view work differently, highlighting three main perspectives: as a paycheck, as a career ladder to climb, or as a vocation/calling. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's view of work to determine future direction.

Work as a Paycheck Perspective

The discussion explores the traditional view of work as means of survival. Kevin shares personal experience working at a pizza parlor in Los Angeles while pursuing acting. They discuss how the paycheck mindset can sometimes conflict with pursuing meaningful work and how focusing solely on money can create a false sense of security.

Career-Oriented Mindset

The discussion continues, examining work as a career, focusing on advancement and professional growth. Kathy shares her journey through education, including obtaining a master's degree in English education and spending 15 years in the education field before seeking greater impact.

Understanding Calling and Vocation

The conversation explores the concept of calling, tracing its etymology to the Latin 'vocatio'. They discuss how the concept has evolved from being exclusively religious to becoming more broadly applicable, emphasizing the connection between finding one's voice and discovering one's calling.

Practical Advice for Finding Your Calling

The speakers provide practical guidance for discovering one's vocation, emphasizing the importance of pausing to reflect and listen to one's life. They discuss balanced approaches to career changes and conclude with Kate Bowler's blessing for when the road is long.