A Higher Calling in the Darkest Moments

There are moments when life feels like it’s closing in. Nights that seem darker, silence that feels thicker, and loneliness that sits heavy in the chest. We’ve all been there—alone with our thoughts, our fears, and that gnawing feeling of uncertainty. Recently, in the midst of one of those nights, I found myself reflecting deeply, trying to make sense of it all. And in the stillness, I felt something unmistakable, like a quiet whisper within: Your calling is higher.

At first, it felt impossible to believe. After all, when life seems to be taking you nowhere, it's hard to imagine there’s some “higher calling” in store. Failed relationships, closed doors, and rejection letters from jobs that once seemed like perfect fits—all of it seemed to add up to the same conclusion: I was just stuck. So what did it mean, this feeling that I was meant for something more?

The Loneliness of Waiting

One of the hardest parts of the journey is waiting. Waiting for answers, for direction, or simply for some clarity about the next step. It can feel like wandering through a thick fog, where every step forward seems to lead nowhere. In these waiting periods, it’s natural to question everything, to wonder if the dreams we once held close were nothing more than illusions.

For a long time, I felt that way. I kept telling myself that I just needed a sign, some proof that everything would work out. But night after night, I was met with silence. And yet, somehow, in the heart of that loneliness, I felt something shift. I realized that maybe my life wasn’t about chasing the next milestone or waiting for that “big break.” Perhaps I was being called to something different—something beyond my plans or expectations.

Finding Meaning in the Silence

When you’re facing silence, it’s easy to feel abandoned, as though you’re on your own in a world that’s moving forward without you. But maybe that silence isn’t a sign of emptiness. Maybe it’s an invitation to listen differently, to find meaning in ways that we usually overlook.

That night, sitting alone in the dark, I began to ask myself: What if I stopped waiting for someone else to define my path? What if, instead of looking outward, I started looking inward—trusting that I already have within me everything I need to find purpose?

That shift in perspective changed something for me. Instead of feeling lost, I started to feel that I was being prepared. I began to see that all those “closed doors” were not punishments, but rather opportunities to redirect, to grow stronger, and to build resilience for whatever lies ahead.

A Higher Calling: Redefining Success

So, what does it mean to have a “higher calling”? For me, it’s about living in a way that feels authentic, purposeful, and deeply connected to what I value. Maybe a higher calling doesn’t always look like we expect. It might not come with titles, recognition, or the perfect relationship. Instead, it could be as simple as using our unique experiences to help others or making a difference in ways that don’t necessarily make headlines.

It’s easy to measure success by the standards we see around us—relationships, job titles, financial stability. But perhaps real success is something quieter, something that comes from within. It’s the peace that comes from knowing you’re on the path that’s right for you, even if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

Embracing the Unknown

This journey has taught me to embrace the unknown, even when it’s scary. It’s okay to not have everything figured out, and it’s okay to feel like you’re in the dark sometimes. Often, those dark nights lead to the most profound realizations. They’re the times when we’re stripped of distractions and forced to look deeply into who we are and what we truly want.

So, if you’re feeling that same ache, that same sense of being stuck or overlooked, I want you to know that you’re not alone. There is strength in the waiting, beauty in the struggle, and purpose in the silence. And maybe, just maybe, there is a calling in all of it—a calling that’s uniquely yours, waiting for you to claim it.

I don’t know where my journey will lead, and maybe you don’t know yours either. But for now, I’m learning to trust that even in the loneliest moments, there’s something greater at work. And maybe that’s enough.