What does it mean?
I believe that we each come into this life with some lessons to learn and a purpose to fulfill. Maybe the purpose is fulfilled when we learn to forgive someone who hurt us, or become more loving toward someone who has unlovable traits. No doubt we each have many such lessons to learn in order to grow from a childish state to a more mature, enlightened state. For me, some of those tough growth lessons came through a marriage in conflict and a child in trouble.
Identifying your purpose
I can’t say for sure, but I’ve found that I’m living my divine purpose when I am doing what gives me joy. Sometimes that’s working in my garden. Sometimes it’s seeing clients break through from disconnection to deeply loving connection. Other times it’s the satisfaction of playing a game and visiting with a good friend. “Finding your purpose” can seem like a big, deep, secret that is very hard to figure out. What if it is simple? What if we are in our purpose whenever we are content and joyful?
For example…
I knew I was “in my purpose” when my grandson and his fiance’ texted me a photo of the quilt I made them as a wedding gift and told me it was “amazing!” When a couple who are new clients had a Skilled Discussion and reached a place of deep understanding of each other in an area that had previously been contentious, I was “in my purpose.” I enjoyed a wonderful visit with a good friend Sunday afternoon while we played a game of Rummikub. A young man who rents my studio apartment stopped by to visit with me at my patio table. I was able to give him encouragement and praise about the wise life choices he is making, bringing tears of gratitude to his eyes. That was what I’d consider a divine appointment where I was “in my purpose.”
Purpose is joyful
Clues to being in your purpose are the feelings of contentment and joy. In contrast, feeling upset, fearful, or in doubt are symptoms that we are not “in our purpose.” In multiple locations in scripture, we are told to “not worry about anything,” to “fear not,” to “forgive.” God’s intention is for us to live in a state of relaxed trust…of joy.
When my son was nearing death, I was bewildered by Jesus words, “Come to me and I will give you rest, all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy load. Wear my yoke for it fits perfectly–and let me teach you, for I am gentle and humble and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“Light Burdens?” I thought, what an oxymoron! How can a burden be light? I lived with that question for about a month before it occurred to me. A burden can only be light when the bulk of it is carried by another…when I am yoked (partnered) with someone who pulls most of the load.
Living “Light!”
I am fulfilling God’s purpose for my life when I am willing to trust God with all the stuff I don’t understand; able to surrender whatever is burdensome to the One who volunteered to carry it for me; and ready to let the future unfold without stressing about it.
I recently got a clear instruction about how I’m to move forward with my coaching business. I see the goal clearly, but have no idea about how to get there. Again, God said, “Relax. The way this plan will become real is all taken care of. Your job is just to believe in the vision I’ve given you. Let me take care of the rest.”
I, like you, am pretty capable. When I get an idea, or a vision, I want to get busy making it happen. But what if that isn’t my job? If the idea is to paint my bedroom wall bright pink, I know how to make that happen. But what if the vision requires skills and time I don’t have? Then my “job” is to stay in a state of trust, faith, relaxation and confidence. That is Living In my Assigned Purpose! Truthfully, it’s hard to stay in a state of relaxed confidence. But that seems to be one of the main lessons I am here on Earth to learn. When I am living “Light,” it is the best feeling in the world. Some call it “going with the flow.” Others call it “having faith.”
Lately, I am comforted by Jesus’s words that all I need is faith the size of a mustard seed…about the size of a grain of sand. When I cling to my mustard seed of faith, God is free to move whatever mountain is in front of me. I love that exchange…a mustard seed for a mountain!
Got any mountains you need moved? Grab a mustard seed!
You have my love and support,
