I spent the first week of 2016 with my niece and brand-new nephew. He was only 2 days old when I met him! It was amazing how alert he is – looking around him, seeing who knows what at this age, but clearly trying to make sense of it all. He has a big sister, almost 2 years old, and it was just as fascinating to see how she is absorbing everything that is going on around her.

My niece and nephew will live in such a different world from me by the time they’re my age. They already do! Computers, smart phones…heck, we didn’t even have plain old cell phones when I was growing up! How did we survive?!? And yet Milana is already so comfortable with the technology that surrounds her, even as my sister and brother-in-law do their best to keep her away from it. She knows how to turn cell phones on and off, understands what it means to text, loves watching videos/looking at pictures of family and friends, and happily says “hello!” and “bye-bye!” to whoever is on the other end of the line.

As Milana and Elijah grow up, technology that I can’t even imagine will be a part of their daily existence. But regardless of what marvels they’ll experience, what I hope they find as they get older is what I hope for everyone – a calling. Something that matches their gifts with the deep needs of the world; that challenges them and helps them grow into their full potential; that brings meaning to their lives; that makes the world around them a better place.

 

If you would like help looking for your calling, or know someone who is, I’d be honored to assist. And I hope you have a fabulous 2016!!

Photos by Monty Ham