There is something about opening up my laptop to type a blog post that I just love. I love the opportunity of a blank canvas. What a privilege to have the ability to create an artwork that expresses something of the intricacies of my soul. When I write I feel free, like I’m standing on a beach, like the wind is blowing away all my fear and anguish, like I am beautiful and at peace. I love to write. I love that I have something to say and that people, for one reason or another want to read it. I love that people noticed (even complained) when I didn’t post a blog last Thursday. In fact, I love many things other than writing. (For more of the things I love, read my “about me” section by clicking on the link above.)
But enough about me, what do you love? What is it that makes your being rejoice? What makes you come alive? Gives you a reason for living, invigorates your soul? What are you passionate about? What lights you up, gives you energy, or ignites your imagination? What do you love?
Why do I ask? Well, the answer is simple. I have recently been engaging in much reflection regarding my career, my future, my passions and my calling. I presume I am not alone in these questions as I know that deep within each person is a longing for purpose. In my reflection I have been reminded that we love the things we love for a very important reason. Our purpose lies at the very heart of the things we love.
Your calling or your purpose is found at the intersection between your greatest gladness, and the world’s deepest hunger.
You love what you love because the things you love and your love itself can be used to satisfy the needs of the world. So often we believe that the things we love and the needs of the world are unrelated. We compartmentalize our passions so far from the reality of the needs around us that we rarely consider how they may possibly intersect. We are afraid to even think of the “needs of the world”, it is often far easier to deal with our own lives, to focus on ourselves. Let’s be honest, sometimes that’s all we feel we have the energy to accomplish.
Howard Thurman once said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” I disagree with his suggestion that we shouldn’t ask ourselves what the world needs because I believe we should, however I echo his sentiments regarding our need to come alive. I submit that perhaps if we are truly “alive”, following our passions, that we will be better equipped to meet the needs of the world.
As we enter the fabulous season of Spring, allow the breeze of fresh newness to blow into your mind and the blooms of love and passion to grow in your heart as we remind ourselves of our hearts’ greatest loves and the world’s greatest needs and their intersection’s importance for humanity…
champagnethursdays 