I Love My Couch – is this my Vocation?

I find that I am naturally very gifted at doing very little, slowing down, resting, stopping, watching tv on the couch, or having happy hour with a good book or a good friend.

Recreation and rest come very naturally to me. Is it possible that when I sit down at night and watch an episode of “the Block” or “Doc Martin,” that I am actually fulfilling my vocation – because sometimes, I got to tell you, it does feel like it.

In reality, my life does not allow for much rest and recreation. I have a hectic life, married with a big family, regularly running kids around to training and music after school. Keeping up with what needs the kids might have, keeping on top of household chores (my personal least favourite, especially cooking), seeing my extended family, going to church and church events – oh yeah – and working a few days a week in a paid job too.

When I hit the couch at night, I am done, I’m cooked, I’m finished! I’ve got nothing left in the tank. This is my time to do something for me. I like it when I get to do nothing, and I love my couch. Often I find myself asking, “God, could lying here be my true vocation – it just feels so right.”

Isn’t finding your vocation supposed to be something that fits – something you know you are meant to be doing?

It has to be said, most of us (eventually) find something to do in life that gives us meaning and purpose, a sense of pride in who we are. It could be taking care of others, educating people, fixing things, building stuff, making sense of policies, governing, feeding people, the list goes on. It’s that one thing that gives you a sense of vocation, like you’re using your talents, and doing things that matter to you, perhaps even what God had in mind for you to be doing.

During this COVID year, I have been more connected with my couch than in previous years. However, I have also been reminded of how important it is to get off the couch and get involved.

There are organisations that need volunteers, groups to join, committees that need our voice, fetes to be run (maybe next year), families to be supported, and people who need us to get off our couches and help – wherever we feel called.

I remind myself to get up again, get up off the couch, and continue in my real vocation(s). Being a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an educator, an example, and looking around for what God might be calling me to next.

Having said all that, I will be on my couch for both Grand Finals this weekend – See you there!

• Cathy Madsen is married to Carl and the mother of five children. She is also part of the Marriage, Family and Relationships Team in the Archdiocese