Carrie Baker – The Growth Collective

I have been meaning to write this post for a while now, as it has been buzzing around inside my head, like a bee at a window, looking to be let out.
But sitting down to write it has been harder than expected, with many attempts at beginning, and getting no further. So, I did what I usually do… avoid it!

This week, however, has been an interesting one and has shown me again that I need to get this written.

When I was younger, I used to think that one day I would find out what my purpose in life was; why am I here, what am I supposed to do with this life that I have been given, etc.

I am sure that we have all asked this of ourselves/family/friends/the sky/God… but have you actually had an answer to this question?

Well, as it happens… I have.

So, as previously stated, I am Christian (which means I believe what it says in the bible about Jesus, I believe that He died in place of all us, to wash us clean of all wrongdoing, so that we are seen by God as perfect and can go to heaven when our time on earth is done. It also means, that I am not perfect, but try to live my life as Jesus did – to love people and tell/show them how much He loves them, and in Him there is peace, joy, and eternity in a better place than here… in a nutshell).

As a young person, I was waiting for God to tell me what my big calling was, my purpose, my reason for being (apart from the already mentioned). I would get a little frustrated at times when a door would open or an opportunity presented itself, that didn’t seem to fit my idea of ‘my big purpose in life’, but on I plodded anyway.

I had a job once that I didn’t enjoy. I prayed and asked God if I should leave and for there to be another job. For 5 months, I asked but the answer kept coming back as a firm “No”. Finally, in my frustration I asked God to show me why I was there (I should have asked way earlier than I did) and He told me; to be a light and to love the people I worked with and served.

The change was almost instant, the first shift after that , I felt different, the job left different… because I had a purpose that was bigger than the job. I did love those people and I was able to be a light for people in their dark times. I ended up working there for years, and it was so much more than a job.

Since then it has been a growing realisation, of what my purpose is. It isn’t found in a golden opportunity, or a once in a lifetime moment, and not something you can miss the boat on…

Your purpose is what you are doing right now… wait, what?

You read that right.

Our purpose isn’t in the big moments, or the big career move, or becoming famous… well, rarely! Our purpose (most of the time) is what we do in the everyday. The ordinary.

This is a crazy idea to get our heads around, but let me give you some examples…

This week I was walking between schools after collecting one child on the way to getting the other. A parent heading in the same direction for the same reason, began a conversation with me, about crossing roads. By the time we got to school, they had told me their story of loss and life after, as well as quite a few other things. I was able to listen, and to encourage them (can’t give details) and allow them to feel seen and heard. I shook their hand and introduced myself as we parted company.

That was my purpose in that moment, to love another human who has experienced so much pain, with my time, an encouraging word and a listening ear. It didn’t cost me a thing, but they walked away smiling

The next day, at the same time, at almost the same place, I noticed an ‘older gentleman’ who had lost the end off his walking stick. I could have walked past and thought ‘Not my problem, I’ve got somewhere to be.’ But instead, I saw the missing piece, and ran ahead to catch up with him and return it. (This isn’t a ‘look how good I am’ brag) We stayed with him till he had sorted out his walking stick, bid farewell and carried on.

I can often be seen hugging this person or that, smiling at strangers, striking up conversations with people who are standing on their own, or helping little old ladies cross a huge puddle in the Tesco carpark. (Again – not a brag) I could give you more examples, but you would probably die of boredom…

I know how I feel when someone shows a kindness, or smiles or says, ‘thank you’, it can made an average day seem great.

How different would the world be, if we saw the significance in the small things that we can do for others?

Life is made up of many small moments, there can purpose in our day wherever we are. If we can see beyond the monotony of the daily grind and open our eyes to all that is around us, there is so much more to this life.

My life is deeper and richer than I ever thought possible. I know that I don’t have to go looking for some big purpose or calling for my life, I just need to keep my eyes open and be ready for those small moments, and God will do the rest.

What can you do to make a difference in the world around you? 

Thanks for coming by, see you again soon!

Just. Write. It.

Photo Credit:: Wordswag