I've been rolling these thoughts around in my mind for the past week or so and after a semi-lengthy conversation with a friend, the true realization hit. Perhaps our true destiny lies in the here and now, in the seemingly mundane day-in and day-out of our daily lives? Are we looking for opportunities to be a blessing? Are we looking for the chance to help change or shape a life, truly making a difference for someone else?
You might think, well...I'm nobody important, what can I do? That is absolutely not true. We are all given life on this planet with a purpose and a calling. How you choose to use your purpose is up you. Do I have my life all figured out? Absolutely not, but I'm still learning and shaping and forming it from my life experiences each and every single day.
Thinking about destiny reminded me of Esther - a Jew who was placed in a castle, and not only became Queen but also saved the lives of her people. Her calling, her destiny - because she wasn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone and take a chance. She was reminded "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) What if "such a time as this" is right now - in our seemingly ordinary daily lives?
We have 24 hours in a day, that's 1400 minutes and a whole lot of seconds to use. You might think, well, I work full time, go home, maybe get in a workout, make dinner for my family, go to bed, then do it all over again the next day...what's so special about that? But wait a second. Just stop and listen. What if there's something we're missing in the repetition? Something in those day-in and day-out tasks? How can we make the mundane not seem so mundane anymore?
Thinking about destiny reminded me of Esther - a Jew who was placed in a castle, and not only became Queen but also saved the lives of her people. Her calling, her destiny - because she wasn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone and take a chance. She was reminded "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) What if "such a time as this" is right now - in our seemingly ordinary daily lives?
We have 24 hours in a day, that's 1400 minutes and a whole lot of seconds to use. You might think, well, I work full time, go home, maybe get in a workout, make dinner for my family, go to bed, then do it all over again the next day...what's so special about that? But wait a second. Just stop and listen. What if there's something we're missing in the repetition? Something in those day-in and day-out tasks? How can we make the mundane not seem so mundane anymore?
Maybe it's in an extra smile to a client or coworker, or showing a little extra compassion to someone in need? It's true a smile can go a long way and it's a start...but what if we truly sought to find the magic in every day? What about those magic moments that slip by if you aren't watching or don't seem to notice? Take a child's laughter at a park for example - completely worry and care free from the world around them? How about a hug and a listening ear to someone who feels like there's absolutely no hope left for them in the world. Do you know how amazing it is to see the light in their eyes and a tear stained smile on their face once hope finally comes around?
A simple hug, a smile, listening and caring about someone else's needs....it's in the thank you for caring, the hugs, the smiles from strangers, the random acts of kindness, the laughter of a child, hope, freedom, joy....those magic moments that make life worthwhile. Look for them. I promise if you look hard enough, you'll find them.
At the end of my life, I don't want to look back and realize that I missed it, so I'm striving to make the most of every day, the most of time spent with my family, smiling at random strangers, lending a listening ear when needed, caring for those in need...and maybe when I'm old and grey, I'll be able to look back over my life with a smile and know that I fulfilled my my calling here on earth, my destiny.
I love this! As my baby is just about to graduate high school, I've been looking back and appreciating the memories from the everyday.
ReplyDeleteYes! It’s amazing when you truly stop and appreciate those moments!
DeleteVery thought-provoking and deep post, my friend! Like you, I feel that I'm not here to make a huge splash of a difference in the world, but I can be kind, every day, and I'm convinced that is equally as important.
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly!! I couldn’t agree more!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post Karen! I think people in general need to slow down and take in the beauty that this world offers and just the little things like listening to the birds chirp, watching the sun set, and taking the time to be kind to a stranger. I think all those things can make a difference in someones outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what my destiny is either but in the meantime I hope that in all my years of teaching that I might make an impact on at least one student I've encountered.
Yes! This is exactly what I mean! As a teacher, I know that you’ve made a difference in many lives!
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