A Purpose-Driven Life

Do you believe you were put on earth to make a contribution to society? Do you believe you were made to make a difference with your life? For years while my children were young I struggled with not making a financial contribution to our household because I believed my purpose at that time was to be home for my two boys. Believe me, I didn't realize that I would feel that way because I was really career-focused. I had many conversations with myself trying to justify that staying home was the right thing, even though looking back having two solid incomes would have made things easier. It is nice to be able to look back in the past and see all of the lessons learned.

I have read so many self-help books trying to figure out what drove me. My dad even bought me the book "What Color is Your Parachute" to help me hone in on trying to figure it out. I have recently learned through the Myers-Briggs personality assessment that I am an INFJ or advocate. It now explains why I always felt that there was a cause that I had to fight for, but I still did not know what my ministry or service would be. What I forgot to remind myself of was that it did not matter what I was doing as long as I was serving others.

I am now in my 50th year and I can see how all of my experiences have shaped myself for this purpose. A lot of times we are not aware of the sacrifices we may have had to make and the constant struggles and tests that are put in front of us. I have had the pleasure of serving alongside other incredible recreation staff improving the quality of life of seniors. Sitting by their bedside while they departed from the world to motivate them to have fun even though their memory was failing. This truly made me realize that "not sweating the small stuff" is a great way to monopolize on the positive.

Serving others is the pathway to real significance. However, be kind to yourself if the ability to serve others is not happening the way you would like. If you are at home then serve your family. If you work full-time then serve those whom you work with. My mission at work was to help as many students reach their full potential and even though it was exhausting it was very rewarding. The ability to connect and make a lasting impression on those young individuals was the best experience I have ever had.

Based on the Purpose-Drive Life, Rick Warren says "before God created you he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry, " (Warren, 2002).

What this means is that nothing in your life is insignificant. "He would not give you abilities interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experience unless he intended to use them for his glory" (Warren, 2002). Using the acronym SHAPE here is a quick look at 5 factors that can help you determine what God is preparing you for:

1. Spiritual Gifts

2. Heart

3. Abilities

4. Personality

5. Experience

Spiritual Gifts: Every person has strengths and spiritual gifts which are God-empowered abilities for service. You cannot develop these gifts, they are innate to you. They are what make you unique (Warren, 2002). If you would like to find out what your spiritual gifts are I recommend you read Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts by Kenneth Cain Kinghorn.

Heart: Heart is used to describe interests and dreams. Your heart shows what you love to do and what you care about most. There is no coincidence. Your heart reveals the true person you are (Warren, 2002). Is your heart opened or closed? What makes your heart race when you think about circumstances? This can give you an indication of where you should be serving. Heart = passion. What are you passionate about? Don't ignore your interests because there is a reason why you love the things you do (Warren, 2002).

Abilities: Everyone has unique abilities that were given to them at birth. Do you have a natural athletic ability? It reminds me of Chariots of Fire Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who ran for the glory of God because He made him fast. If you were not blessed with the ability to carry a tune, then it is not expected for you to be a professional singer. Remember whatever your abilities, they provide a strong indication of what you are to do with your life (Warren, 2002).

Personality: Your personality will affect how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities. Pay attention to something that is creating tension and discomfort. This was how I felt at my last job and realized that I was requiring more energy and effort to produce little results (Warren, 2002). There are many assessments that can show you what your true personality is from Myers-Briggs to Personality Dimensions. Google them to find out more.

Experiences: We have all been shaped by our experiences. These experiences have been good and bad and they happened so that we could be molded into the person we are today. My family life involved a mother who stayed home which instilled in me to do the same thing. I have learned which jobs I excelled in and which jobs were not effective for my personality type. My faith has helped me figure out how best to serve and very painful experiences have allowed me to see how best I can serve others. Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what has happened to you. What will you do with what you have been through? Don't waste your pain; use it to help others (Warren, 2002).

What I wish most to do is connect with those who need help finding what SHAPES them. If you want someone who will hold you accountable while lending an empathic ear so that you can find your true calling in life then leave your contact information on my website www.pollockcoachingcom. I am looking forward to doing life with you.