In the last blog I discussed our purpose: why we're here; for what reason. I mentioned that one way of discovering and living a purposeful life is by recognizing and using our God given gifts (that we all possess), for the glory of God, the kingdom, and ourselves.

If we're unsure of our gifts, our purpose should then be to unearth them; dig for them if we must. I discovered one of my gifts when I was in high school, yet it took me another twelve to fifteen years to acknowledge and use that gift.

It was either my second or third year of high school ( I don't remember which), and my history teacher, Mr. Caldwell had assigned an essay to be written on any historical aspect of World War II of our choice. He gave us specific instructions, including a minimum number of words. I chose to write about the bombing of Hiroshima. 

The more I researched my subject, the deeper I wanted to research. I was so moved, so saddened ... so horrified what when I began to write, I forgot it was for a class paper. I simply wanted to tell the story. When I finished, I realized I had gone far beyond the minimum number of words required, but since the teacher hadn't given us a maximum, I figured I'd keep it all.

When the papers were all graded the following week, Mr. Caldwell said he was disappointed with some of them and amazed at others. Then, he said he had chosen two students to read a page from each of their papers.

You can't imagine the surprise when he called my name. I came to the front of the class and when he handed me the paper with a big, red A+ at the tip, it took me a minute or so, to quiet my heart. I had thought, maybe a B-.  Well, I found the page I wanted to read and although I was nervous, I could still hear the hush that fell over that room as I read the story of Hiroshima. When I finished the page, everyone complained so loudly, Mr. Caldwell allowed me to finish the entire paper.

That was my first realization of the power of the pen, and that I might possess a fraction of that power. I wish I had that paper today. Unfortunately, I don't. 
I didn't realize it at the time, but the descriptiveness of my story was really over the top, but I was responding to my emotions. I remember sentences like ... "People wandered screaming and unseeing with blackened holes draining a pus colored liquid where eyes had moments before looked out at just an ordinary day." 

I actually received compliments from fellow students on my paper. That really should have gotten my attention, but it didn't.

It took me so long to discover this as a gift because I wasn't listening; didn't know  how to listen. I was clearly shown that day in history class, but I refused to believe such a marvelous thing could be mine. I didn't understand that I was supposed to write. Write whether I ever made a dime at it ... really, write whether anyone ever read a lot of it; write for the sheer joy of writing.

So, I guess what I'm trying to share is ... don't waste time questioning when it is shown to you. Acknowledge whatever it is, and get busy developing, and using what is truly a blessing from God. Even if it is something you don't plan on doing as a career, try to find some place for it in your life. I'm sure you won't be sorry.

I believe that ultimately we're here to:
 
SERVE AND BE SERVED
ENLIGHTEN AND BE ENLIGHTENED
LOVE AND BE LOVED ...
AND TO PASS IT ALL ON!  



Posted 11/14/07 
         

Here's that question again; the question that has resonated in the hearts and minds of men probably since the dawn of time.  Why are we here?  Surely there is some higher reason for our existence than simply being born, struggling to make our way and survive, and then dying! I certainly believe so. 

I don't think we're here by accident, and I don't believe we're meant to live pointless, chase your tail lives, then die and it's all over.  Of course, purpose is the overarching theme of my novel, The Secret of the Veil. 

I believe we're meant to grow and develop as spiritual beings and to grow in our faith in God; I also believe we're meant to actually accomplish something outside of ourselves for God's Kingdom while we're here. 

No, we're not all meant to be preachers of the gospel, or serve as missionaries in foreign lands, but we all have something to bring to the table.  That something is tied to our purpose.  We have been given the tools needed to make a difference in the world.  Those tools are our talents. Those talents are actually gifts (God's gifts to His children). 

When we work in our gifts we bring about changes, both great and small - some we're aware of, others we're not.  But, make a difference, we do!  And, that difference is at least part of why we're here. 
 
Now, there may be a three or ten part answer to the question of our purpose, but our gifts is at least one part of the answer.  It is when we're working with the talents that God has given us that we're our happiest, most contented, most productive selves.
Maybe you're a great communicator, or singer, preacher, writer, diplomat, organizer, entertainer ... whatever. 

When we have the ability to do something exceedingly well, and find enjoyment in it, that is a gift from God; and one of the reasons we are here on earth is to use that ability.  I believe we're all gifted in multiple areas, and one of the challenges of our lives is to find out what those areas are, develop and grow them, and use them. 

To hear an adult say, "I don't know what I do well," is to hear someone who haven't given any serious thought to the subject.  If they had they'd realize that maybe they can clean far better than the average person, and really enjoy the process; they may have the ability to organize a closet, a meeting, or a conference with equal ability, and again, enjoy the process; or maybe they can sing like an angel without the least bit of effort.  We all have something we do well; that's a gift. 

When we ask the question, "What is my purpose? Why am I here?" We should follow that by asking, "What are my gifts? What is it that I do well, better than the average person and enjoy doing?  When we answer the second question, we're well on our way to answering at least part of the first.