Find Your Purpose

We're already nine days into 2020! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a successful first week into the New Decade. I love the feeling of the New Year, all the excitement it brings, and the gift of another chance for a new start.

As I was thinking of 2020 over the holidays, I was mindful repetitively of this phrase: "Find your purpose." You could quickly be doubting me if, by now, I still haven't figured out mine. I get that. But I believe sometimes our circumstances in life can and will change, so we are wise to redefine our purpose accordingly. Granted, it seems easier said than done. Maybe one of the hardest things in finding our purpose is translating what we do anyway every day, into what we really would like to do. That one thing we find satisfaction in doing, which gives us so much joy! -What is that for you?

Finding our purpose in life can still be redefined when your current circumstances in your family change, or if someone leaves. This year my youngest son is a Senior in High School and has already been admitted to his first choice university. With my husband, we're beyond proud of him. My oldest son lives across the country -we saw him over the holidays, and we're also very proud of all his achievements so far! So I love them each for who they are and for where they are as well, knowing all the time we'll be empty nesters this coming August. Being mindful of this helps me understand you never stop being their Mom -it just seems a little different going forward.

You might wonder what does our purpose looks like when our job situation changes. That's a challenge if what we used to do, is no longer an option, or we don't have the strength to do it. I've seen a lot of people find -not only purpose but also their identity in their job, so if that's gone, their loss is much more significant. Yet I still hold onto the hope that every season has a purpose. It might not be as fruitful as the last one. It might look different from the one we had just a few months ago. But we can still be sure that our time is meaningful when we can find the new goals that motivate us now.

I am so encouraged we have help available from above to figure our next step. In Isaiah 42:16 in the Bible, it says: "But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through an unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take..." I think God knew we'd be at a crossroads at some point in our life. I am so grateful He's not too busy to personally show us the way! What a great promise this is for us! Wherever we are today, I trust God will help us find what 2020 looks for each of us and that whatever we do might be meaningful, satisfying, and bring us joy.

I wish you all the best for 2020!

Maria A. Mansfield

Author: "Life is Worth Getting Better" & "Honoring Your Recovery"