People searching for life meaning periodically ask themselves, "What is my purpose?" This challenges the heart, mind, and soul to deeply reflect upon our origins and future. It puts our choices and decisions into perspective as we seek to align life's opportunities with the reasons for which we were created.
I speak to future college graduates about career pathing and I tell them the importance of selecting an assignment, not a job. Assignments are related to our purpose and add meaning to our occupations and vocations. Knowing your assignment helps you know who and what you are connected to and the length of those connections. Assignments are short-term and long-term, depending upon how you are needed.
The other day I reflected upon my occupations and vocations and was reminded the stops on my journey were based on my assignments. Everywhere I landed and everything I did had a beginning and an end. A door opened and closed once that assignment was complete. Once the assignment was completed, I was no longer fruitful in that place. The spirit of excellence I bought and used to serve was not enough to produce. Either I left voluntarily or I was asked to leave. In both cases, the assignment was completed. If we get too comfortable we will miss the signs indicating that season is over. We will experience friction that does not go away until we make our exit.
People seeking greater understanding of their existence will always focus on purpose. Money, career, fame, fortune, relationships, or possessions will never be enough to satisfy the longings of their heart. How can I make a difference? How can I be a blessing? How can I use the gifts and talents God gave me to make the world better? These are the questions of purpose. Only truthful answers will satisfy the heart.
Purpose motivates you every minute of your life. Purpose never becomes routine, mundane, or boring. Purpose gives you energy even when your body and mind feel overwhelmed. Purpose transcends beyond the fleeting, fast, and furious. Purpose anchors your soul when the world is spinning out of control. Purpose keeps you calm and gives you unexplained peace in the midst of chaos.
Graveyards are filled with remains of people who never found an answer to the question of purpose. They did good things, made strides, thrived through focus and dedication to work; however, they did not search deeply enough within themselves to discover their reason why. They missed their sole opportunity to be great and greatness was buried with them.
Don't let that be the last chapter of your life story.
The world needs you. Everything you have has purpose. Your thoughts, dreams, ambitions, and desires are connected to your destiny. My mother once told me God does not dangle carrots. If He shows you something, He intends for you to do something about it. What will you do with the time you have left?
"There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Amplified Version
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