Find Your Seat

One of the remnants of me and my wife's oldest daughter and son-in-law's wedding was a sign my daughter created to hold the seating assignments for her guests. She used a wooden pallet with the words "Find Your Seat" written across the top to tack the guest names and table assignments to. It was very country-cool, if you know what I mean. This sign had sentimental value to me, so instead of throwing it away, I put it in a spot in our backyard.

A month later, glancing out the second-floor bathroom window of our house, I noticed the sign and it struck me. "Find your seat." God wants us to find our seats, I thought to myself. He wants us seated exactly where we belong, in His purpose, grace, and joy. 

Many of us have seasons where we question our vocation or our calling - the thing we believe we should be doing with the short lives we've been given. Some might call this a mid-life crisis. I call it a quandary of calling. We've all been called to task, and part of finding fulfillment in our lives is heading that call. There is a certain rest and satisfaction in finding the seat assigned to us by God, the place in life he has called us to.

But how do we know when we've found that seat? What signals us that we've arrived at our spot at the table of life? Well, for one thing, that seat will have our name on it, just like a place setting at a wedding. There's an expression, "That's has your name written all over it," and I believe that expression actually applies here. What do I mean by that?

The thing that you're passionate about, the thing that holds your interest, what you're good at and what you love to do. That's got your name all over it. You carry the qualifications, you've been gifted with a talent, and others can see it in you. That's what's got your name all over it. And the range of vocations and callings out there is large - from leadership to teaching, from being a musician to excellence as a janitor, in motherhood or in student life, no calling is unimportant or insignificant in the Lord's eyes.

Now, don't misunderstand me: I'm not saying that walking in God's will for your life is a constant honeymoon, that would be very far from the truth. But the fact of the matter is, even though your "place at the table" may be difficult at times, it will bring lasting fulfillment, bless others, and honor God as you work at it wholeheartedly.

Know this: when finding your seat, you will also find opposition.

Finding our seat can mean taking a step into the unknown; it can mean learning a new skill, making unsure investments, taking chances - big chances. The bottom line is it can take a great amount of faith to leave what is comfortable behind to step into the unknown. And not everyone wants to see you find your seat. It can make some people feel uncomfortable. But that's OK - for them and for you.

You can know this as you search for your seat: God will be sure to direct you to the right place. And if you do make a mistake, He will never leave you to deal with that mistake alone. You see, God knows you're stepping out in faith, and He knows you have one desire - to find the seat He's reserved just for you.

There's a seat out there waiting for you; there may even be more than one in your future! Maybe you're already sitting there. Maybe you've already found it. Maybe you haven't started looking yet. We're all at different places in this great process, this great journey. Maybe you're about to take that journey and step out into the banquet hall. You feel awkward, you feel lost, you feel like all eyes are on you. That's OK. The eyes of the One who's opinion really matters are on you, and He sees your needs, your weaknesses, your fears. But He is your provider, the One who called you and ...

He's got a seat set aside just for you.