Sep. 16: Speaking Vocation Into a Life

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Sarah Hart has a gift for music and lyrics, so it’s a good thing she didn’t pursue her early career goals of becoming an archaeologist or pediatrician.

During an interview on Christopher Closeup, Hart laughingly recalled a conversation she had with her band director in high school.  He asked her what her career aspirations were and she responded, “I might want to be a doctor.”  He just looked at her and said, “Honey, you’re not gonna be a doctor.”

While some might interpret the band director’s response as harsh or condescending, Hart appreciated him “speaking vocation into my life…I think it’s something we need to be able to give our young people a little more—to say, ‘Here are the gifts I see in you and here’s a path that you can carve to use these gifts.’”

Hart’s gift for music and love of God have led her to a successful career in Christian music, where she’s written songs for artists like Amy Grant, whose hit “Better Than a Hallelujah” earned Hart her first Grammy nomination.  She also steps behind the microphone herself to perform songs she’s written.

Identify your unique gifts.  Then put them to good use.

Your word…is a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Give me the wisdom to see my talents, Jesus.