The other day, I came across a simple, yet profound quote:
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” — Howard Thurman, theologian
So, if I believe this quote speaks truth, then does that mean I don’t have to get all tangled up with worrying about what God’s purpose for my life is? That by doing what makes me come alive–that is, what I feel passionate about–I can have a purposeful life that will have an impact on the world?
Wow.
It’s so easy to get caught up with worry of this type: Should I take this job or that? Should I major in this or that? Should I take the time to do this or that? (Personal example: Should I actually take the time to pursue this crazy dream of becoming a published author, because writing is something I love and simply cannot stop myself from doing?)
It seems to me that if we stopped worrying about what we SHOULD do, focus on what God MADE us to do (indicated by what we’re passionate about doing), and trust Him to take us where He wants us to be, we’d get a whole lot more living done.
Of course, one caution is to remember that we also have responsibilities like God and family that we cannot simply forsake in order to pursue a dream or passion. But if God made us to do it, then He’ll provide a way for it to happen.
So, if you love cooking? Open your home, invite over a bunch of friends or co-workers, and feed them. God can use your cooking to make those people feel nurtured and loved.
If you love singing or acting? Try out for a community theater show. God has used music and the laughter theater can bring to soothe people’s souls.
If you love mothering? Devote your time and energy to your own children or being a mentor to others.
The point is, God can use you wherever you are, whatever your passion is. He planted that passion in your heart. I challenge you to use it. Come alive, and you will leave an unbelievable legacy in this world.
Questions for you: What makes you come alive? How are you pursuing your passion?
My passion these days is book collecting and selling online. I love to browse used book stores and books for sale online. I am retired, so I really am free of the pressures that working 40 hours a week entails.
I am an avid reader and think a lot about giving writing a shot. It's just a matter of time.
I'm a faithful Catholic and love my religion even though I am totally disgusted with the recent scandals that have done so much damage, not only to the many victims that these sick priests have left behind, scarred for life, but for the damage to Catholicism's reputation and image.
So, I am lucky to be doing what I love.
Thanks for your comment, Bob!
I love reading too. It goes hand in hand with my love of writing. I find that whenever I read a good book, it makes me all the more excited about writing one myself!
Thank you so much! I needed this word today.
I have always been passionate about writing, however I have always kept it to myself (even though the few I have allowed to read it have said it "great"). It was a huge step of faith to make my blog, to open myself up and to allow others to see a new side of me. It is even harder to pursue a career in writing. Satan tries to steal my joy with "am I good enough?". Thanks for the reminder that God will walk me down the right path for me as long as I am faithful. In my heart, I truly believe my book will get published, it's just a matter of God's time.
TC,
I'm so glad you found this encouraging. Satan is definitely the joy stealer; he makes us doubt our purpose and our passions. He doesn't want us to use them. If we ignore him and trust God, we can accomplish so much in Christ's strength!
I look forward to reading your book when it gets published! You can do it!
Thank you for your encouragement. One step at at time…the book is written, I'm sending out queries and praying, now I just have to wait and act as directed.
Any advice you may have is welcome.
I pray for your writing endeavors as well and look forward to reading more from you!
The only advice I have at the moment is just keeping moving forward, even if you get some rejections as you send out your queries. We all face rejection at some point, and we need to remember that it builds patience and character in us. (I will probably need to listen to my own advice when I get to the querying stage!!)
Thanks for your prayers. 🙂 They are much appreciated.