Living On Purpose, For His Purpose

I was driving home yesterday from the many errands of the holiday season. Thinking about the 'hustle bustle' of the season. So many of us run to and fro trying to get everything done for the special day, Christmas.



This especially lands on moms, grandmothers and those that are the caretakers of the family. We want everything to be perfect for our family and loved ones. Why? Because it's how we show them that we love them. I have been a homemaker for 32 years and take great pleasure in creating an envorinment of peace and warmth in my home. This especially rings true when everyone is gathered together at Christmastime. So there is a method to my madness and a reason I run to and fro, I want it to be very special for my family.



As I was driving home, I was reflecting on these thoughts and how grateful I am to God for allowing me to steward such an amazing group of people, my family! I sensed in my heart, some thoughts, some words, they came to me. "Live on Purpose, For My Purpose".

I glanced at the river as I was driving. This is the Cowlitz river which flows down from Mt. Rainier into the Columbia. I noticed big chunks of ice and debris floating in it. We have had some rain and it breaks loose the debris and it floats down and out into the Columbia. I immediately had the thought so much of our lives can be like that, just float along, be swept along, kind of mindlessly without purpose. I was struck with the symbolism of it! We must choose to swim upstream on purpose, against the flow of temptation, the world and our own doubts and fears.

I also noticed some of the sea lions that come up river swimming against the current because they have a purpose. The smelt come from the Pacific ocean and up the Columbia and up the Cowlitz this time of year. Well, those sea lions are very bright and they follow the food! They actually enjoy it! Fighting the current, dodging the debris, because they know they will be rewarded for their efforts. We are called to be fishers of men, and God wants us to enjoy the journey upstream. In fact so much so, that He says, "Here, is My Strength, My Grace to make it easier and so much more enjoyable!

We must 'on purpose' put on the love of Christ, choose to love even when it hurts. Forgive when it would be easier to demand justice. Believe God to use us, despite our shortcomings and mistakes! And 'on purpose' put compassion into action, making someone's life brighter whether it's an orphan or the next door neighbor. We can't afford any longer to complacently and apathetically 'float along'. There is a lost and dying world out there that needs someone to turn against the tide and swim upstream, making a difference!

We have to refuse to do nothing and do something to put Jesus' love on display, and if necessary use words. Not only preaching the good news, but being the good news, on purpose. So, what God given dreams and visions lay buried in your heart? Dare to ask Him, what they are.

This year at our women's conference we were posed 2 questions. First, "Lord, how much do you love me?" And second, "What did you have in mind when I was created?" I will leave you with those questions. And when He answers because He most assuredly will, dare to 'Live on Purpose with His Purpose!'