So, many times when individuals examine or contemplate their “Purpose,” they envision some great calling with astounding results. Things like: discovering a cure for cancer, preaching the Gospel to millions – like Billy Graham, writing best selling novels that thrill readers around the world, or founding an organization to help those in need – such as the Salvation Army.
However, many times our purpose, even for a season is much less glamorous. I recall reading about a priest from Belgium, named Joseph Damien de Veuster, who in the 1800’s went to Hawaii and specifically asked to be assigned to the leper colony on Molokai. He lived and worked with this ostracized group of people for 16 years before dying of leprosy himself. He was never named “Time’s Man of the Year,” and outside of Hawaii, not many have even heard of him. But he followed and embraced God’s purpose for his life.
Other examples of this would include – my friend Bob and his wife, who are retired, and made the decision to move from Colorado to Montana to help take care of their grandkids; my friend Liz who was the hospice nurse that took care of my mom during her final months on this earth; or even my wife, who is waiting on me and taking care of me following an ankle surgery that has left me non-weight bearing on crutches for 6 weeks. None of these people have won an Academy award or been recognized for their dedication and sacrifice. But they have purposefully made a difference in the lives of people who needed them.
My encouragement to you today is to remember that God’s calling on your life may have seasons that are exciting as well as those that are much less so – but above all, He is called us to serve and meet the needs of each other.