The Road - Finding Purpose in Life

This morning I am having what could be considered random thoughts regarding purpose in life. 

I write, not with the intent of being an educator, but in order to bring my thoughts into formation. I write to articulate and understand the frequent early-morning inspirations that comes from the One whom I believe in. 

I believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  I have read and heard teachings about these. I’ve read the Bible to endorse this belief. I am not a student or scholar in Theology. I respect, and do not despise, those who are. However…I take comfort in the prophet Isaiah’s words, “A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.” Isaiah 35:8 NKJV 

This faith keeps me. It encourages me. It provides hope. It gives me motivation. This scripture tells me that as I come to Jesus with my uncleanness, and cast my cares and troubles at his feet, then I am given access to “The Road”. 

Now that I am given this access, I follow the highway. I reach crossroads. Some are marked clearly, indicating that it’s obviously not a good option. Some are marked with merely suggestive signage. Sometimes I drive down these lanes awhile before I am convinced this is not a good road. Then I backtrack. Once back at “The Road” I ask Jesus to clean me from the residue and dirt that I accumulated on my side tour. With Joy I continue on “The Road” that feels secure. 

Now, taking this preamble into finding purpose in life; the first order in finding purpose is to come to God, to Jesus, with the accumulation of grime and uncleanness. This is not a “once” thing. In our natural occupations we will become soiled by day-to-day activity. A cowboy may have dust, and even manure, on his clothes, when he comes to wash at suppertime. This is because he is engaged in being productive. A mechanic’s clothing will display dust and dirt and grease; while a doctor’s will be stained by the substances that come with his or her occupation. Don’t be discouraged if you get splattered with this world’s dirt. Bring disappointment and pain of being engaged and the splatter of opposition to Jesus. Daily, perhaps hourly at times, you get to remove your bandanna, wipe your face of the worst of it, and bring it to Jesus at suppertime. That’s what comes with traveling “the Road”. 

I listened to four of my friends singing Gospel Quartets. My spine tingled with the beautiful blend of their voices and the incredible message of the hymns they sang. I know they were smiling inside. I know they were aware of a job well done. However, I wouldn’t be able to replace one of them. The dog on the porch would head out to the barn if my croaky off-key voice would ruin the blend. Like vinegar in milk. My point being, we have different gifts. I know that God smiles when I’m alone in my vehicle and I belt out the messages in song my friends sang in beautiful harmony! He’s my father. He’s my friend.   

I write by the “seat of my pants”. I avoid reading others’ writings on the topic that is currently influencing my thoughts. Why? Because others might say it so well that it would seem pointless for me to contribute. So, I write by inspiration; what God lays on my heart. I don’t try to compare with others. I seldom read my blogs of the past. I don’t try to “complement” a topic. 

Many others who I respect deeply have a very different “style”. I read their contributions with highest regard. I am, however, not motivated to mimic or pretend to complement what is rightfully theirs. 

Don’t bury your talents. Usure with them. Become vulnerable. Walk out onto thin ice, if that’s where your heart tells you God wants you. I can’t mimic my friends’ awesome quartets. But when I’m alone in my truck I can make a joyful noise (racket) unto the Lord. And God smiles. Don’s heart is happy! 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.