In 1936, Edward VIII of the UK gave up his throne so that he could–at least ostensibly–marry the woman he loved, Wallace Simpson. Yet Edward was not the first British king to abdicate!

According to Butler, Constantine was a British king in the late 6th century who, when his beloved wife and queen died, decided to abdicate his throne in favor of his son, in order to become a missionary monk. He went to areas of what is now Scotland to proclaim the Christian gospel among the Picts. He was subsequently martyred in the mission field.

There’s something utterly and timelessly important about being willing to give up wealth, power, and security to do what you feel called to do, to follow your deepest passion and quest for meaning.