Blog by Associate Colette Parker[/caption]
I’ve been thinking a lot about purpose lately.
Here’s the thing: I am at a place in my life where I believe my ministry is allowing me to follow my passions while living out my purpose – to make a positive difference in the world by impacting others through service. But I still find myself wondering if there is a way to live out a deeper expression of my purpose.
My contemplation has reminded me that I have spent years going through a process of discovery to find and understand my purpose – the deep reason for my existence.
It has reminded me that my purpose has been expressed differently over the years -- sometimes depending on what I was doing to at the time; sometimes depending on whom I was serving at the time; sometimes depending on what was needed at the time, etc.
It has reminded me that some of my passions have evolved, shifted or changed over the years.
It has reminded me that I have one purpose, but many passions.
It has reminded me not to confuse my passions with my purpose.
I believe that passion and purpose go hand-in-hand and that the ideal is to follow my passions while living out my purpose. I also believe that it is important to understand that passion fuels and energizes, while purpose is the meaning behind it all.
During the process of my reflection, I began to discover that my pondering was triggered by the need to know that I am fulfilling my purpose and, perhaps more importantly, the need to know that the expression of my purpose is not lessening.
In my estimation, it is not enough to find your purpose. You must be committed to growing it and sharing it with the world.
Our lives truly become more meaningful through the impact we make on others.
As we grow our purpose, it is important not to lose sight of the need to inspire the passions of others and the need to encourage others to discover and live out their life’s purpose.
We each have a purpose to fulfill in life. Living purposefully inevitably generates happiness.
Even when we are in a place where purpose and passion connect, it is important to embrace the ongoing process of self-clarity and purpose. It is through the process that we discover what pushes us forward. 