What is My PURPOSE? Part 2

Welcome back! I take it you did the reading and you may have even purchased Pastor Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life.

However, I present to you some homework that I needed to complete in order for me to finally identify and actualize my purpose according to God’s will for my life.

Homework

You must put forth the effort. God is not a magician or your personal concierge. You cannot tap on a bell or rub a genie bottle. Clouds of smoke and fireworks will not illuminate the sky. You must learn you in the same way that God sees you. This means, God sees you as successful, so you must not see yourself as a failure. This means, God sees you as able, so you must not see yourself as unable. This means, God sees you necessary, so you must not see yourself as unnecessary.

I came across an image (see below) to help you with your assignments, step by step.

• Ask yourself, “What do you love to do?”  Write it down? Is it teaching? Are you an advocate? Love to cook or bake? Love writing or painting? Love children or seniors? Love math and/or science? The responses to this question will tap into your Passion + Mission
• Ask yourself “What am I good at doing?”  Assess and evaluate all the skills and capabilities, associated with question #1 you answered that you are good at. The key is that you are good at them. List them all – organization, teaching, speaking, writing, compassion, drawing, playing an instrument, driving, playing a sport, taking care of pets, telling stories, and more Again, take your time in listing all the things at which you are good. God has created you with loads of things you are good at, so it is not just one thing. The responses can lead to your Passion + Profession.
• Ask yourself “What is my profession and career goals?” Identify those capacities you are completely good at which will get you a paycheck. Example: you LOVE children, you are GOOD at drawing and teaching, you may become an art historian. You LOVE families, you are GOOD at keeping families together, you may become a family attorney. You LOVE pets and you are GOOD at staying calm in the sight of blood, you may become a veterinarian. The options are endless. The responses can lead to your Profession + Vocation.
• Ask yourself “What does the world need?” Identify the things you love to do, plus what you are good at plus what you achieve as your profession that will serve others. Example: An art historian or professor can teach free art classes in schools unable to provide art classes due to budget cuts. The Family Attorney will donate time or take on cases pro bono to help with families with adoptions or juvenile cases. The veterinarian may volunteer resources to neighborhood shelters or during natural disasters. In many cases your Vocation becomes your Mission.

At the nexus of all these responses and revelations while listening and seeking out the signs God lays out for you; you will discover your PURPOSE. The moment it is revealed, you will know it is your purpose and no one else’s.

One of my favorite and heart felt examples of one who is living his purpose is Chef Jose Andrés. He loves food plus he is exceptionally good at cooking plus he is a chef and thereby using his PASSION + MISSION + PROFESSION + VOCATION to fulfill his PURPOSE. Just recently, Chef Andrés devoted his time in feeding millions in Puerto Rico. Following the recent devastation of Hurricane Maria, he flew down to Puerto Rico with food, resources, and staff and they cooked over 3.6million meals for families distressed by the disaster. He remained stationed in Puerto Rico to assist in rebuilding smaller restaurants and stocking food banks. Additionally, he used his notoriety to bring attention and financial resources to Puerto Rico to resuscitate their survival. Though he has a business to run in the states, he sacrificed to make his way to his home island to help others. Of course, that may not be your present circumstance, but God provides all that you need once you become obedient and faithful to your purpose.

Today, I am proud to say that I am finally living out my purpose.  God has created me with so many wonderful gifts and capabilities that supports my passions.  For many years, I have watched God take my career from one level to the next to expand my wealth of knowledge and abilities.  The result has been diverse opportunities to serve my employer, family, friends and community.  My career has led me to work with for profit and non profit organizations and develop relationships which help to generate ways to benefit others. 

There is a sense of peace in your life when you are living with assurance and purpose.  The same God who helps  to uncover your purpose is the same God who uses you in service that it seems more fun than work. You become so more inclined to do more and enjoy every moment you spending when doing it. You will not look for the accolades or the awards.  Instead, you will feel complete and in sync with God’s will for your life.  I am grateful for that Saturday 30+ years ago. It was a shaky beginning which turned into loads of turns, preparations, going back to school, sacrifices, re-learning, and faith.  It is worth noting that nothing worth having and achieving ever comes easy but with God it can and it will.  The next step is yours.

…now what, Linda