Answering God's Call - The Marriage Vocation: Jane & Bob Burke

This is the fifth article in our series on Christian vocation.

To me, a vocation is a calling, not a job or even a career. When I think of marriage, the word “vocation” doesn’t come to mind. The word “commitment” is what I think about. But taking that one step further, isn’t a vocation a commitment? A vocation is a commitment to God!

When I think about my marriage as a vocation, I truly feel that it is a commitment. Bob and I have been married for over 40 years, which sounds like a long time, although it doesn’t feel like a long time. I feel that our marriage is a commitment we made before God, family, friends, and that God has always been here throughout our marriage.

Every marriage has its “ups and downs.” I am happy to say that we have had many, many more ups than downs. When we have had our downs, our tragedies, Bob and I were always there for each other to comfort each other, to offer support where needed. I feel that God used those times to help strengthen us and to bring us closer together. By the same token, whenever we had our ups, our joys, God was there, too. I can honestly say that I cannot imagine my life without this vocation, my marriage.