Last week a significant mentor of mine, Dr. Gary North, died of cancer at the age of 80.
Though not widely known, the effect of Dr. North's life will positively impact generations to come.
One of his greatest contributions has to do with his commitment to the biblical concept of calling.
According to Dr. North, a calling is the unique contribution you bring to the world, which would be difficult to replace if you were gone.
North not only taught this, he lived it.
Back in the late 1970s he felt called -- based on his training in history, economics and theology -- to write an economic commentary on the Bible.
After disciplining himself to the task for 10 hours a week and 50 weeks a year, he reached his goal in just under 40 years.
The body of work he leaves the world may not be of interest to everyone.
But his example should.
Because, there's not a soul alive who shouldn't be thinking about the unique contribution he or she brings to the world... and then working by God's grace to attain it.