What keeps you up at night? What wakes you up at 3AM from a dead sleep? What would have you jumping out of bed in the morning?
I’ve had a LOT of time to ponder these things. The thing is that the core of my “why” hasn’t changed…but the way that these things are going to be brought into being has changed.
Years ago, the pastor of my church did a series on kings vs priests. At the time, all I wanted was to be a missionary. I had gone on a few mission trips…and the power of God was intoxicating. When I told my pastor this, he looked me dead in the eye and told me, “Deneen, you’re a king.”
I should backtrack for a second. The premise of the sermon/series was that there are people who are destined to be priests…to be in ministry full time. Their primary purpose is to spread the gospel, to be a pastor.
Then there are kings. Their function is to work…to be out in the word, still spreading the gospel but earning money.
When he told me that I was a king, I was devastated. I was so unhappy with my work life. Deeply dissatisfied, to say the least.
I spent the next decade slogging along, enjoying parts of what I was doing…interacting with patients, educating them on dentistry, helping to teach dentists to place dental implants…but not fulfilling my purpose.
You see…I love helping and connecting with people, and I love teaching people. I’m still sad my “I ❤️ flossing” group never took off…lol…but I do love that I helped people start a habit that can prevent major disease.
Recently, I’ve come to understand what he was saying. I am discovering what it means to be a king. I am no longer ashamed or sad because of what my calling is. I’m actually pretty excited to see what is to come. It’s gonna be AWESOME!!!!
What sets your soul on fire? 
Deneen White 