7.10.12

Confused About Your Purpose?


Confused about your purpose?
Have you ever walked from room to room, trying to remember what it was you needed to do? Confused, we scan every corner, hoping something jogs our memories. Temporarily, we have lost our purpose. Thus, we have two options.

One is to exchange our original purpose for a different one. While searching for the initial goal, we get sidetracked. Something else catches our eye. We begin to devote attention to that instead. (The pros and cons of diversions will be saved for another day!)

The other option is to stop and be still for a moment. Rather than flitting about, we pause and reflect. Mentally or physically, we retrace our steps. What were we doing before the search began and why? Usually, this quiet reflection reminds us of our mission.

In the past two years, I’ve made new friends who only know me as a writer. Too embarrassed to tell my “old” friends about my new pursuit of writing, it was a close-kept secret.  

Evidently, many people without writing degrees feel the same way. Last year, I attended a Christian Writer’s Boot Camp conducted by Christian Devotions. They made us say, “I am a writer” so many times we became more at ease with it!

I’ve been writing for years--journals, special programs, and various newsletter articles. It wasn’t until age forty-five I sensed God wanting me to do more with my writing.

Since then, it’s been somewhere between a smooth merry-go-round of ups and downs to an occasional roller coaster ride!

While I love learning the craft, the work is a lot more than I anticipated. Sometimes I forget my purpose for pursuing writing. I am sidetracked by a vast array of emotions and life events.

Most of my “old” friends know about my writing by now. Often times, they will ask me why I have chosen this field of work.

I tell them my purpose in writing is:

1.   To be obedient and honor my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

2.   To encourage others in their life journeys.

3.   To promote (and hopefully produce) excellent literature for children and young adults.

Writing for Children
 
There is so much “junk” out there--written material that pulls young people down into a miry pit. I plan to work hard and improve my skills. Lord willing, I hope to produce thought provoking work of “whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, and whatever is admirable…”  (Phil. 4:8)

Now you know my purpose in writing and can hold me accountable.

So, I guess that brings us to a third option when we forget our purpose. Share your goals with friends. Forget about being embarrassed. Good friends will support you.

They’ll remind you what it was you were doing and why.

 

“But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up,

that I may show My power in you,

and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”  Exodus 9:16

 

What about you? Don’t be timid about trying something new. If God is in it, His strength will shine through your weaknesses.
Be brave and share your goals. What is God’s purpose for you today?