Hearing the Calling, Facing Forward

There was a child, many years back,
  tucked safely under the covers of her warm bed...
  dreaming, visualizing herself living and walking
  among those in the farthest reaches of the world.


Her task was simple....to help in whatever way she could;
  to give back to life 
  in gratitude for the many riches bestowed on her.


This vision was a legacy left her by
  her father and her grandfather before him,
  both of whom courageously set upon
  paths fraught with uncertainty and, in no small part, danger; 
  following the light shining in their soul;
  driven to answer the calling.


Life called to them, 
  showed them the suffering in this world,
  peered into their souls
  and found hearts willing to commit everything
  - all they were -
  to life, to giving back.


This same fire touched the soul of that girl child,
  and has never let go;
  calling, inspiring, leading...


There is a deep knowing
  in my soul 
  that one is in this life
  to be and do certain things.


To walk the path to which I have been called
  is the essence, the raison d'être, 
  for my existence.


Now my children are set upon their own paths,
  finding their own light and
  living by the grace of God.


And, the call to my soul has grown
  from a whisper and lure
  to an ever present voice.


So, with both feet firmly planted on this path,
  and a future unknown,
  the girl child knows... 
  her soul and person are facing God.


It is time.