Not all of us are doing what we’re called to do. At least not fully. At least not yet.

Some of us are working 9-5s, not to waste time or put off our dreams, but rather to build a foundation and skill-set to get us to where we’re supposed to be. Others are still in school or exploring what the next big move will be. So what are we supposed to do in the meantime? In the tension of it all.

I’d propose this: you live out your current calling.

In second grade, my teacher had the class memorize Colossians 3:23 and it says, “Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men.”

You hear that? Whatever you do. Not just the things that you believe you’re called to do long-term. When you brush your teeth, you better do it for the Lord (and floss while you’re at it). If you’re in a job where you’re filing papers, you better do it for His glory too, even if you don’t fill like it’s contributing to “your ultimate calling.”

There’s this famous quote that says, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” And I’d argue, that this saying is missing a last phrase – “and do it well.”

Every step of your life has purpose and there something to be said about running your race and doing it well.

Here’s another perspective: if you don’t do it for the Lord, then my guess would be that you’re doing it to please other people or maybe even yourself. But I promise you that will only leave you longing for more, losing direction and leaning on a faulty pillar for support. Your identity isn’t found solely in your job and your future isn’t revealed just through your community of peers. I’d challenge you to look higher. Raise the bar.  What would happen if you stepped into your current situation with God in the forefront? Are you tracking?

What I am saying is that you should let God lead. If you do that, then where you are now is most likely where you’re supposed to be and is part of your road to even greater self-discovery. And while you’re on that journey, live out your day-to-day as if each day is your “current calling.”

Oh, and one last thing. While you’re taking it day by day, don’t lose sight of your “long-term calling.” By living out your current calling, every step you take should be one step closer to fulfilling your purpose. And in order to do that, you have to make time for what you are passionate about. In the midst of the everyday craziness, carve out time to dream, to plan and to take actions towards something bigger.

So live out your today with purpose and prepare for your tomorrow with patience and perseverance. Do everything with excellence, set the bar higher and don’t compare your “now” with someone else’s “later.” Yours is coming. But in the meantime, be faithful in the now.