Purpose

I don't know about you, but personally I know I am at my BEST when I am doing precisely what I have been created and called to do. This kind of confirmation is exactly how I know I am living out my purpose.

The reverse of the above statement also rings true. When I find myself frustrated, disappointed, or unfulfilled in light of my life choices; it is most often a direct result of attempting to control my own life instead of letting go and letting God have His way in me.

Every once in a while I get this peaceful sense of satisfaction after completing a session, task, job, or project using the specific gifts and talents I have been blessed with to help another person along their journey. That's not to say that my life is smooth, easy, and happy all the time. Because that is definitely not the case.

Perhaps breaking down the difference in these three concepts will help make my point:

1) Occupation: a job or profession.

2) Career: an occupation undertaken for an extended period of a person's life.

3) Vocation: a strong feeling of suitability for a person's occupation or career, especially one which involves helping other people.

Be the gift.

Granted, there are many aspects to my chosen occupation which are not my favorites; rather they are stressful, tedious, or outright exhausting some days.

On those days regarding those tasks, I remind myself of Colossians 3:23, Ephesians 6:7, Proverbs 16:3, Philippians 2:13-- all of which speak of working for the Lord's pleasure as opposed to pleasing other humans.

But in the precious moments on the days that I am truly engaging in my purpose driven vocation, helping others navigate their lives in ways that encourage healthy mind, body, and spirt [soul]; it is it's own reward far better than the paycheck.

Obviously the paycheck is helpful and necessary to sustain my own overall well-being. Metaphorical manna [Exodus 16:4-8] from God provides for all my basic needs.

Grateful to be given stewardship over the provisions on loan for this lifetime.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Peter 4:10, and 1 Timothy 5:8

Be the gift.

Do you feel called to your vocation? Or is the overwhelming feeling a daily grind working for the weekend at your occupation that may not be the most suited for your unique talents and gifts? Are you open to pursuing your Purpose Driven Life to discover what you were made to do here on Earth for the duration of this brief life?

Romans 12:6 reminds us that we are each created with special talents. What are yours? How are you using them to help others?