I remember when I was in Kindergarten seeing a very clear picture of my future purpose. I adored my Kindergarten teacher and began to dream in that moment of becoming a teacher. Of course, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I quickly responded “a teacher”. Oh to be so sure of my purpose and future.
Now over fifty years later (I can’t even believe I just divulged that piece of information), my purpose has changed. The dream I held onto as a five-year-old did come true but is now gone. Thirty years of teaching led me on a path of amazing purpose and passion. I walked gracefully and just as clumsily over the years as I learned to be the best teacher I knew how to be.
This past October, I wrote a series about reimagining home. Click here to catch up on the series. I realized in my reading and meandering time with Jesus that reimagining home was only the beginning of what God wants to teach me. As you grow older, you begin to realize that all you once knew has now morphed into something that doesn’t look as familiar. Somedays I fight this phenomenon but most days I treasure the wisdom and life experience that has crossed my path.
[Tweet “Over time your purpose may look unfamiliar but the life lessons you learn are a treasure.”]
Let me be upfront with you, I am no expert when it comes to finding your purpose. Â Or even what to do when it looks different than you ever imagined. But what I do know is how God uses our purpose for His good. He takes what once was and creates a beautiful new beginning. God is teaching me that even when my purpose changes I am still worthy of doing good and His plans for me are not over. Reimagining our purpose gives us the opportunity to allow God to show us the good in everything.
For the next few weeks, join me as I explore purpose. With God’s help, we can reimagine purpose together. Let’s dig into what it looks like when you are called to be a mom, caregiver or volunteer in church ministry. Does this mean you are still waiting for your true purpose to unfold? How does God view you when your time is limited due to other challenges?
What if your life’s work seems to change often and you find yourself hanging on to the next great thing? Will God still love you when your direction changes more times than you can count on your fingers?
And if you are called to be just who you are at any given moment without any fanfare, do you trust God’s plan over trying to create your own?
I am not sure where the next few weeks will take us, but I would love to have you along as we reimagine our purpose together. God’s plan is always good and I wonder if we need to reimagine our perspective along the way when we miss the good in our lives.
I am praying you all hang on to this truth knowing that with God there are no mistakes.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Blessings as we reimagine purpose together!
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash
You may find me joining these blogs this week.
Love this. I’m not sure what my purpose is, although I thought I had if figured out. And it was such a hard season of loss when I had to lay it down. It’s comforting to know that God still desires to use me and that good will still come from my life. I look forward to reading more!
I am learning that our purpose is not always so clear-cut. God definitely does not put it in neon lights. We both need to remember that God has us exactly where he wants us to be. You are blessed to have several generations in your house right now. What a beautiful chance to be a role model to multiple generations and to leave your legacy in person. Hopefully, the joy outweighs the challenges. Thank you for being here.
This sounds like it will be a great series, Mary! I think our purpose is always changing, and once we have found our purpose for that time there’s always the question of how long that remains our purpose and when God is calling us to something new. I look forward to reading more of your reflections.
I agree. Our purpose is not static but flows as we grow and change in our different seasons of life. I forgot the patience that is needed when I am in transition and the faith to know that God still has the plan. I find that since I have retired there has been some uncertainty. The blessing though is that I know God is preparing me for more. It is still unfolding. Thanks for being here.
I just conducted a survey about “purpose” for my readers and most of them were over the age of 40 and still seeking what it is God has for them to do. I don’t think God ever takes away that desire to pursue something greater than ourselves…even if we don’t realize it! Looking forward to your series!
I will have to check out your survey. What an interesting thing to do with your readers. I hope that everyone feels a desire to pursue something greater no matter what their age. I love how God continues to call me to more. It’s an exciting and scary journey.
I love that you put it out there that you are not an expert. But over 50 years of life is a lot more experience than I have my dear…so I think it depends on how we define “expert.” 🙂 Looking forward to reading what God has been showing you. 🙂
Ha! It’s hard for me to believe I have that many years of experience. I claim to not be an expert because God is still teaching me so much. And my purpose continues to change now that I am retired. I love that you stopped by.
But I see you are still being a teacher to all of us. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Mary. As you reimagine this season of your life, I know God will continue to work through you in amazing ways! After graduating our last child from homeschooling, it’s been an interesting journey for me too these past few years. But I’m enjoying it so much.
Teaching is in my blood as I imagine it is in your daughter’s too. I will always draw on my teaching experience and gift for teaching in whatever God calls me to in the future. God never stops using us for His purpose and good. We both have this amazing chance to let God lead us in new directions. Scary, isn’t it? Thanks for being here.
The thing is, our purpose in life changes at different stages in our lives, and according to circumstances at the time. The trick is to ensure that, whatever we do, it is what God would want us to do.
God bless.
Yes! Such great insight, Victor. Our purpose is nothing without God. He has designed our purpose to lead us to be more like Him. Thank you for joining us here today!
I have a cuppa hot tea and I’m here to join the convo! xo
Great! Hope you come back next week when we dig a little deeper.
Mary, I love how you always inspire us to consider what good God wants to do in our lives, when we are brave and “faith-filled” to follow Him wherever He leads–even when it is to some unfamiliar place. Thanks for your commitment to our good, my friend! I’ll be back to find out the next step on this journey!
You are so kind. It is only because of God that these words make the page. But I am so grateful that God chooses to use me through these words. Anything you learn here is a lesson for me as well. I love how God continues to teach us all. Blessings!
Inside the front leaf of my bible, I have this reminder: “My purpose is my relationship with God and my chief aim is to bring Him glory.”
Of course, that is our *highest* and *ultimate* purpose. The how and the way the how changes over the years is the challenge! Realigning our works with our walk is a constant endeavor. Looking forward to this series, Mary!
What a beautiful reminder to have in the front of your bible. It is a lofty goal but God’s purpose for us is to make us more Christlike. In whatever our life’s work ends up being, that is God’s ultimate purpose. I know that when reaching to be more like Jesus I continue to have a lot of work to do. But if it leads me closer to God, it is worth it.
That last point is something I had to wrestle with and still do! If I let go and let God, will all that I have built come tumbling down? And then I realize I think I have built it all on my own! I’ll be sharing a testimony that incorporates that learning this weekend at a retreat. Yes, God is always growing us, isn’t He? No matter our age, our season, He puts us exactly where He wants us to be doing purposeful work for His kingdom.
Your question is a good one. How do we know what will happen in the letting go. That is where our faith comes in. But God is the Author of our stories and even though the chapters are not what we might have written, He still is leading us toward His good purpose.
I love that as seasons change in our life God is still present in all the details. It is beautiful to watch. Blessings!
Ahhh, Mary. Purpose. It’s such a fluid concept it seems. As I read your post, it made me think that sometimes, our purpose changes. Due to seasons of life. Or changing circumstances. Or heart-changes. It seems like sometimes, God gives us a purpose to accomplish something in our lives that prepares us for a future chapter.
These are a few of the things I’ve thought about with purpose. I look forward to your series!
I realize I have written about purpose before but God continues to teach me so much in this sequel in my life. My purpose continues to change but the bottom line is it is exactly what God has always planned for me.
And yes, as our purpose changes God is leading us toward whatever is next for us. He is preparing us for the future. I love having you here, friend!
Dear Mary,
This fits so well with where I am at now also. “do you trust God’s plan over trying to create your own?” What a good question! Just last night, as I was reading your “31 Days to Brave,” I came to Day 9 “Being Brave Right Where You Are,” and I heard that same kind of thought from the Lord as I read Psalm 130:5 in the waiting season. He still has His purpose even while I am waiting, and asks me to be patient & trust Him for His purposes to be revealed. Thank you so much for your encouragement!
I am honored you are reading my book. What a blessing! One of my biggest ahas when writing Brave Faith is learning that brave looks like being exactly where you are at that moment and finding contentment. I pray God continues to teach you in the waiting and shows you that your purpose is His beautiful design. Thank you for joining me!
I’m looking forward to reimagining our perspective of our purpose with you, Mary. Those pondering questions have me intrigued. 🙂 Love and hugs to you!
Thank you, Trudy. Those questions have me intrigued too. I am not sure where God is going to lead me over the next few weeks. Pray that I listen well and hear God’s voice. Love and hugs to you too.
Reimagining our purpose is part of surrendering. I’m looking forward to reading your insights in this series.
It is part of surrendering. I am already learning that everything God is teaching me seems to be tied to surrender. Glad we are on the journey to surrender together.
mmm … like you, friend, this is a season of re-imagining, of wondering, of trying on new roles and purposes and choices.
I look forward to your discoveries. We seem to run along the same tracks even though our stories are a bit different …
Our hearts beat as one.
We do have parallel themes in our lives. It is wonderful to share this journey with someone as wise as you. It seems I am reimagining many things in my life. In October, it was home and now it is purpose. I wonder what will be next. Thank you as always for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Mary. I’ve never been good at this on the big picture level. It occurred to me as I read that even as a young adult, I sort of wondered where I was headed in the long run even though I was busy and focused on a day to day basis.
I’ve been thankful for my family and for the privilege of serving them as Mum and now Bam, and, once again, my days are so very full that I sometimes lose the big picture.
Always good to ponder along with you, Mary.
I know these words came from a place of searching again for my purpose. When you have a focus for so long and then it is gone, you feel like you are always supposed to know your purpose. What God is teaching me is that it is okay to not always know your purpose. Bottom line is “am I seeking God”.
You have been doing and are doing exactly what God planned for you to do. What a gift you have given your sons and now grandchildren. Being present with them is worth its weight in gold. I love having you here, Michele.
Wow most people don’t know what they want to be at such a young age let alone have it come to pass. This topic is one that brings me back to the verse that says God prepared good works for us. I love how His hand is in our lives!
I was lucky to have my childhood dream become my lifelong passion. I know with my own sons that whatever they said they wanted to be at five years old is not who they are today. God does prepare good works and works all together for His good. Blessed to have you here today, Kelly.