"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."
-Robert Byrne
Simple enough, right? And something I've read or heard in about a zillion different places and translations. Yet, somehow, I still don't know what it means. I have ideas and even examples from my life of what it means. I know that the words resonate in my heart, but I can't focus enough in that experience to grab hold of what action I next take to continue with that life. It drives my mind crazy.
What does a life of purpose mean to you?
3 comments:
commmmmennnt
Okay, now that I can actually leave comments (hooray!)
A life of purpose to me means something quite simple actually... knowing your niche. I think a big part of life (or youth, at least) is figuring out what your individual purpose is. You have to find something that matches both your skills and your passions. (Form fits function, we learned that in biology...) I think that regardless of how people view the world or how they think we got here, there is a duty that comes with it. To be intelligent creatures and simply live a life of leisure with no sense of responsibility to our fellow humans or environment/creatures is a pretty miserable attitude/lifestyle. People who do this are never truly happy, no matter what they might tell you. We all ought to work toward SOMETHING, regardless of the internal motivations or the supposed rewards for doing so. I think our parents taught us to be good for the sake of being good, and I'm thankful for that. I see that you have a lot of passion and a ton of talent, but seem cautious to take the first step, perhaps because you fear it will be in the wrong direction. I feel the same way! However, you have to start walking somewhere, because you can always change direction, and it's a lot easier to do once you know what the landscape looks like.
I will counter your quote with another quote (or two):
"Be not simply good; be good for something" - Henry David Thoreau
"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -Calvin Coolidge
So, I just spent at least 45 minutes writing a comment and then it didn't post. How incredibley sad. Alas, I will sum up my little comment that I so carefully wrote.
I really like what Jen wrote. She hit it right on!
Hilary's purpose: On a daily basis I am driven by the purpose of rescuing two sweet little souls. Hebrews 12:12-13 "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky feet. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong." Lindy and Glory are utterly dependent upon me. There is absolutely no way I can be a mommy without the constant, step by step, guiding and leading of Jesus. I need Him to give me a new grip, to strengthen my stance, and to mark out my path all for the sake of my girls. I am not proud of the anger, frustration, unfaithfulness, and lazy attitude I have had toward my girls and being a mom. I must repent of it daily and choose again and again to seek God for guidance and forgiveness. I am also fiercely passionate about husband and my role as wife...but that is another tangent.
The question that remains is, what is Laura's purpose. I have been thinking about you tremendously and this exact question. It just took me a whole month to come across this entry of yours. Jen said you have to start walking somewhere. Amen! One of the things I love about you is how utterly entreanched you become in something you are passionate about. And there are so many things. So many, that some would call it a divided heart. There are so many things that I hope for you and from time to time I see glimmers and rays of what I long for you. This is going to sound funny, but what I long for you most is faithfulness. It's sounds funny because you are the most faithful person I know. The heart of what I am trying to say is I long to see you faithfully entreanched in ministry, passionately pouring your heart out and seeing lives changed. Because when your life touches another, that life is forever changed. It's the truth and you can't deny it. Every one you know would agree with me. Last year in BSF I had this question and I want to share with you my answer.
question: Moses is described as a "man of God". Whom do you know today that you would describe as a "man or woman of God"? Why would you describe them that way?
my answer: My dear friend Laura. She is a single woman who has fully entrusted herself to the Lord through prayer and a love of the Word. She is sensitive to the Holy Spirit and waits upong the Lord in every decision, she does not act in haste. She loves others more than herself.
I love you deeply, Laura, and though I may have missed a few details from my first draft this in a nutshell is what I wanted to say. Call me and we can talk more.
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