The word ‘purpose’ seems really over used these days, and yet it's the one thing we all seem to be searching for. Some sort of significance, a reason for our life to mean something. It could be because we feel like all of our ‘shitty’ experiences have to count for something. Seriously, why would we have to go through so much, if our lives weren’t meant to impact the greater good of the world.
When I was in my third year of teaching, I had a student ask me if it would be alright for him to practice guitar in my classroom after school. He was moderately talented at the time (he’s now an insane professional musician), but that’s another story. As we sat there, he continued to play through the same song over and over until he had finally mastered that section of the song. To be honest, I sat at my desk feeling a little underwhelmed with my life. Was this all there was for me? I couldn’t imagine my life thirty years down the road from now doing the same thing I was doing that day.
Now, I have nothing but the utmost respect for the teaching profession. In fact, we need more great teachers. But that day, I desperately wanted my life to count, and there seemed to be little hope of really following after the dreams that I'd been working so hard to accomplish. More than anything my desire was to leave teaching to become a professional singer. I imagined where I would go, what stages I might stand on, and everything about it seemed like it was meant to be.
But, that day something crazy happened to me. As I sat listening to my student, I heard the voice of the holy spirit. In an instant I knew that everything in my life was about to change. As clear as day, I heard him say that if I invested in the lives of others, my platform would be bigger than anything I would ever do on my own.
You may find yourself in this story; slightly dissatisfied with your life. Dreaming of better things, of feeling more alive. It’s likely you’ve worked hard to get where you are, but now that you're there it doesn’t seem as fulfilling as you thought it would be. And, you wonder if this is it. There has to be more than this. But deep down you’re fearful that really following your dream is going to cost you the safety that you’ve surrounded yourself with. That stepping out and risking failure might be too disappointing. And, that would be too much to bear.
Your purpose matters. No matter what you might say to convince yourself otherwise, YOU ARE meant for more. It’s probably going to cost you something. And, you can’t live hidden behind the limiting beliefs about who you think you are. Friend, you are capable of so much more.
I continued working as a teacher for another five years before my life radically changed. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to bring my dreams to life. And, there was no one in my corner helping me figure it out. So I went it alone. The transition took me another ten years, and still another career change. I fought with depression, anxiety, and feelings that maybe my dreams weren’t really meant to be. My self doubt kept me down far too long.
Today things are different. I’m more passionate than ever, and everyday I ask God to direct me closer towards the purpose He has created me for. But now I know that pursuing relationship I have with him is foundational to living my life to the fullest. I’m not a lot different from the girl I was sitting in the classroom those years ago. But the one thing that has changed -- is my perspective that pursuing my purpose matters. It matters to me, it matters to my heavenly father, and it matter to those whom I’m in relationship with.
So, whatever stage of life you may find yourself in — don’t lose heart! Keep going after your dreams. Yes, your purpose matters. It matters to more people than you know.
This week I’m hosting a FREE 5 day purpose challenge, and I’d love for you to take part. Each day you’ll receive an email directly to your inbox with some encouragement and a challenge so that you can start to take action. You’ll also get an invite to join a private Facebook group where I will pop in every day to chat about what you are learning. To sign up, click the button below. I can’t wait to for you to join me on the journey.
