We've already discussed the fact that living a life of SELF is NOT a life of purpose and, more than likely, it is a lonely life.
So, no need to discuss that further, right? Let's move on now to what living a life of purpose DOES consist of in our lives. SERVING OTHERS! I've already talked recently about the importance of taking our eyes off of ourselves and noticing those around us and using our God-given talents and abilities to reach out and help. I've also recently shared the emphasis given in the Bible about not being here to BE served but TO serve.
Please, whatever you do, don't wait until ___________________ (you fill in the blank) happens before you begin to live a life of purpose through serving others. Some are waiting until they get enough money (rich?) to be able to do BIG things before they start. Some are waiting until this and that.....and, all the while, opportunities to serve pass them by every day.
DON'T LET THAT BE YOU!
Don't miss the opportunities you have right before you with your family - especially your children. Let them see - TEACH BY DOING - you involved in serving others and help them learn the importance of living a life of purpose that involves something/someone other than themselves.
Look at those around you - yes, even your coworkers and brainstorm ways that you can PURPOSE your time with them to be a blessing...an ENCOURAGEMENT. On more than once occasion my wife has begun working a new job to be warned about different people (especially in management) that were grumpy and that never smiled. My wife would actually take that on as a challenge with a determination (a PURPOSE) that she would make sure that she talked to them, was kind to them and got them to smile at LEAST once every time she worked. And, guess what? She did and they did. She did what she set out to do and they DID smile at LEAST once while working with her. As a matter of fact, one female manager who was known to be a "sour-puss" got to where she would light up with a smile every time she saw my wife at the start of a shift and she even ended up knitting my wife some sort of a "throw" to be used while lying on the couch or sitting in a chair.
Pretty cool, huh?
Now, on Monday I asked you to be jotting some things down on paper as to what this whole idea of living a life of purpose meant for you in your life. Here's where you can get down to the "meat" of the matter. Make a list of as many people as you can that you normally come into contact with on an average day. Your family, neighbors, co-workers, bosses, garage attendant, your child's school bus driver, teacher, etc. Make as an extensive list as you can and then take a moment and be amazed at how many people you impact each and every day. Then, take some time - maybe do five at a time - and write down how you can PURPOSE to be a blessing in that persons life beginning NOW.
Hey, some of you will, some of you won't but it doesn't change the fact that ALL of you (us) CAN and, quite honestly, SHOULD be seeking ways to serve more.
Yes my friend, there IS purpose in serving. And, if being selfish is a life of loneliness then I would think that SERVING would be a life of happiness!
Check it out. Put it to the test and see what you find to be true. Let me know - I'd love to hear from you!
Join me tomorrow as we continue this discussion but, until then, be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
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