Doing what you are born to do...

"By day, I sell mobile phones. My dream is to spend my life doing what I feel that I was born to do."
"Paul, what are you here for today, Paul?"
"To sing opera."

I agree with Simon Cowell that this is indeed "a breath of fresh air"--and I'm not just referring to his inspiring rags to riches story (he ends up winning the competition). Passion and purpose are two things noticeably absent in law school. I'm taking a class in another graduate department and find it refreshing to be surrounded by classmates who are excited about what they do and have a certain sense of purpose and direction. Law students are constantly complaining--whether it be about the rigor of classes or about the prospect of grueling hours at a law firm upon graduation. I have yet to hear a fellow law student say "My dream is to spend my life doing what I feel that I was born to do--to be a lawyer (or law student for the time being)." Perhaps that shouldn't be surprising since law school has become the ultimate back-up plan for indecisive American college grads who can't stand the sight of blood.

Christians in law school should have a sense of purpose and passion based on an understanding of God's sovereignty and a general or specific calling to law school. It is all too easy (particularly, as exams approach) to join the horde of malcontent law students wallowing in self-pity.

I've been pondering about participation in God's redeeming work and influencing culture on a theoretical level, but this is where the rubber meets the road. The pervasive purposelessness in law school is a distortion that can be redeemed for God's glory.

This of course doesn't just apply to law school. We could all learn a thing or two from Paul Potts. May we all come to a place where we can say, "My dream is to spend my life doing what I feel that I was born to do--to _____ [you fill in the blank]."