Thursday; January 25

I am not altogether convinced that each one of us has one unique, individual calling to fulfill in life.  In fact, I am not even sure that what I am called to do today is the same thing I was being led to do twenty years ago nor will it be what I will be expected to do ten years from now.  While I do believe that God has plans and  directions for all of our lives (and equips us to accomplish those goals), I am not sold on the fact that once we accomplish our goal or find our place that we can comfortably settle in with a sense of achievement.  Who knows, maybe we have merely completed one step in the process taking us to a greater calling.
Whether we are just beginning our quest or actively searching out the crowing apex of our mountain top, one of the most compelling questions we can ask ourselves is “How do I know where I should be going and what I should be doing?”.  A few of us might be honed in on a detailed life-plan, but most of us experience some type of doubt about where our lives are leading us.  How do I know this is the right path for me?  Not long ago I came across a quote by William James that might help, “Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, ‘This is the real me’ and when you have found that attitude, follow it.”.  No, I realize this may not be the definitive analytical test some of us are seeking, but it just might be a good place to start.  By combining our inner feelings with an overt statement of purpose and a prayer to God for wisdom and guidance, we will probably be able to figure out the path to take.
Are we living a life of purpose?  If not, we are wasting time and missing opportunities.
Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements
Read more

Monday; September 25

When I was a youngster, I remember hearing about this thing called the Generation Gap. I was a little bit too young to be active in the social movements of the 1960s, but I do remember listening to the challenges the generations were experiencing way back then. Interestingly, now that I have been on both sides of the aging process, I have to admit that the Gap of the 1960s was nothing new. With the development of each generation comes conflict. The young people don’t feel like the older people understand them and the older folks tend to believe their input is being underappreciated. Too often trust is the casualty when two generations collide. The sad thing is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When we can capture the innovation and energy of the younger folks and harness the wisdom of those who have been around for a while we can develop a winning combination. No, we won’t always see things eye-to-eye nor will we necessarily speak the same emotional language, but when we app
Read more