Every now and then, I hit one of those moments where it seems that, well, I should be happier, or better rewarded, or better known, or more passionate about my life, etc. And I can sometimes wonder: Shouldn’t there be something more to life?Anyone know what I’m talking about?I think of that U2 song that says I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. And I think of the Michael W. Smith song that says, Trying to Find My Place in This World.At other times, I am perfectly (or nearly so) content. I have come to wonder if I’m not just hardwired to always have my sights somewhere else. From the time I was just a kid, I was this way. How about telling me your experiences? Maybe I can learn from them. If you are one of those that have lived a life doing precisely what you knew you were born to do, tell me.And if you’re a bit like me, tell me that too. The odd thing is that I don’t feel at all out of the will of God. I believe I am where He wants me. And yet….
Ephesians 2:10– yup. Some days better, some days worse, but chugging along as God gives grace.I empathize with the feeling of not having found what I’m looking for, but I believe that’s because what I’m truly looking for can only be found in the life to come. That gnawing lack of absolute satisfaction is a gracious reminder for me to look toward and hope for the life to come.Concerning the here and now — I stopped trying to find some particular or special purpose. Ephesians 2:10details exactly what me (and you, and all believers) were created to do. I find a lot more peace and satisfaction in the day to day pursuit of that goal under the leading of God’s Spirit, than I ever did trying to pursue some big purpose or goal.
I finally found it. I worked on the first church I pastored. I worked, with a few volunteers, on the second church to build a fellowship hall and SS rooms. The Third church was a plant and I remodeled a garage and added SS rooms. The church did well. When I ran out of nails to drive, I found I was unhappy. I return to the military and retired. After that I became a carpenter I found out that I hated to leave the job site, then I became a general contractor. I regained my faith, started working part time in our local church. But my love was building. I could help my pastor and local church financially, and I was ‘SOUL HAPPY’. I became a pastor’s friend as much as I could. Finally I think I was doing what I was born to do. I still love the smell of sawed wood.Not everyone waits until their mid 40s to know what you asked. I admire the 18-21 years olds who KNOW what they were born to do. ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
You begin to wonder if you had any impact on the world at all________________
You probably didn’t. And that’s okay. We need to shake loose of the modern evangelical mindset that we are all supposed to change the world for Christ.
I would bet you impacted on many people’s ‘Worlds!’ Just that short encounter we enjoyed; we have talked many times how your people seemed to love you and your family. Oh you did your part, I have no doubt.Life is good________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
…We need to shake loose of the modern evangelical mindset that we are all supposed to change the world for Christ.