PURPOSE.

We hear a lot of conversations about purpose. 

What is mine?  What is yours?  How do we find it?  How do we live it out? 

We ask young kids, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  There’s a woman in her 70’s who I’ve often heard say, “I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.”  Do we ever really figure it out? 

I’ve been pondering. 

I’ve thought recently about individuals I see who, no matter their stage of life, are using their gifts and their time to be purpose-full. 

I think of a dear saint in our church who used to fold bulletins faithfully every week, she was in her 90’s.  I think of a woman who lives in a personal care home that paints rocks for her daughter’s landscape business, they give one to every customer.  I think of my former pastor, who at 70, has just started a podcast highlighting people in the community making a difference, pretty sure she’s making one too.

Sometimes there’s a lot of pressure we place on ourselves about “our purpose”.  Maybe you don’t think you have one, or, you think it’s too late.  Maybe you have a chronic illness that prevents you from doing what you wish you could.  Maybe there’s life circumstances that have taken you in a direction you never expected or asked for.  Maybe you’re young and full of dreams and have no idea how to get them accomplished.  Maybe you’re….fill in the blank.

LET’S PAUSE.

Deep breath in.  Go ahead, in through your nose and slowly out through your mouth.

Maybe we can do a little re-phrasing here.

I want you to ask yourself a question.  And no one but you can answer it.

WHAT IS MINE TO DO?

I venture to say that this phrase, while it still may bring pressure with it, helps us to re-frame a little.  There’s a lot…A LOT I don’t know, but one thing I do is that each life on this earth has purpose.  But I also know that purpose…it changes and shifts as our lives change and shift.  Asking yourself this question is going to be different in different seasons of your life.  And that’s ok.

So, if keeping these kiddos alive and fed is the only thing you get done today…that was yours to do.  If getting out of bed and driving yourself to your chemo treatment and back home again was all you did today…that was yours to do.  If going to your job that you love or maybe don’t love and coming home to make supper and run kids to practice was all you did today…that was yours to do.  If your kids are growing up and you have more time to devote to what you love and feel Holy Spirit calling you to write words of encouragement…that is yours to do.  See where I’m going here?

What is right in front of you?  What is the next right thing?  What are you able to do in this season? What stirs your heart?  Where is God leading you, and are you listening to the nudges?  WHAT IS MINE TO DO?  WHAT IS YOURS TO DO? I can’t answer that for you, but friend, you DO HAVE A PURPOSE. 

Life at 15, 33, 48, 61, or 87 is going to look different over the course of your life.  But waking up each day with a heartbeat means that you are here.  And, you are here for a reason.  Sometimes we don’t understand, or feel like our life isn’t making much sense, let alone making a difference.  But God has a plan for your life.  I do believe that and I hope you do too.  Take heart, and take care friends, and ask yourself these questions and rest in the assurance that it’s all worthwhile and it all matters.

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Lord Jesus,

Thank You for every new day You give us. Thank You for the life, the breath, and the opportunity to trust in Your plan. Help us to see the purpose You have for each of us, even in the quiet moments and uncertainties.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to listen for Your gentle nudges and the courage to follow where You lead.  May we be sensitive to Your voice in our hearts and open to Your guidance in our lives.

Remind us that even when we feel lost or unsure, we are never alone. Your love surrounds us, and Your purpose for us is greater than we can imagine.

Amen.