Yesterday I was so humbled and honored to be asked to preach the Father's Day message at church. My message title was "A Father You Can Trust" and I spoke from Matthew 6:25-33. I talked about how our earthly fathers strongly influence how we view our Heavenly Father, but no matter what our experience on earth, our God can be trusted. The message went well and I was really happy with how it turned out. But while I was speaking, I just felt this extreme sense of "This is my purpose! This is what I was meant to do!" I mean, I have felt this before - this was probably the 3rd or 4th time I spoke at church on a Sunday and I've done retreats and women's events before, but I don't know... that "feeling" was just overwhelming this time. About four people came up after the service and said "This is what you are meant to do." I came home and shared that with my husband. I haven't felt that way in a long time- in fact, there are many days where I wonder "What IS my purpose?" But I just keep coming back to this, and it has been in my heart since I was 15.
Another instance like this happened on Saturday when I was at the mall for a few minutes, walking through the parking lot, and felt an overwhelming sense that my heart is so incredibly burdened now for babies who are abandoned or orphaned. It came out of nowhere and hit me hard until my eyes teared up. "What is this all about?" I wondered. I don't know what will happen with that burden but I really wonder about it.
Sometimes I feel like I am getting old and I get discouraged, wondering if anything will ever happen with these dreams. But it is encouraging to know that I do feel I am still moving in the direction of these dreams happening, while I am still pursuing my main #1 calling of being a mother right now.
So, let me ask you - What is your passion that has not died? What makes your heart race at the thought of it? What dream have you had for a long time that maybe nobody else knows? Think about it, and let me know! I'd love to hear about it. And don't be discouraged - God has a plan for you!
I'm glad it went so well! I still harbor a desire for a career in medicine, to do more long-term missions and to be able to teach bible/religion. I have always felt like different times in my life, God will call me to different things. In 40 years, it will be interesting to see how he has combined those passions and interests in all of us.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awesome. Right now my calling is definitely my kids and family but I am not sure what God has in store for me later. When I read about people with their strong callings and passion then I feel a bit like a slacker. I definitely don't have a list of things I want to accomplish or even know where I will be called to be I am learning to be okay with it. Obviously it is not for me to know right now. I just remind myself that God's timing is perfect and it will be revealed to me when it's time.
ReplyDeleteJaimie - I'm so glad that your Sunday went so well! I remember thinking and praying when I was a little girl, that I wanted Jesus to wait to come back until I had the chance to be a mom. Thankfully I have obviously had that opportunity and I am living it out in a very real way - some days it is to real! I also know that in the future we will be on the mission field, (I was also called at 15) when is always the looming question. But for now I am content!
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