Several years ago Whirlpool put out a sweet commercial of an overworked mom who keeps responding to her family’s situations or messes with the question of “What/How?” Sometimes, it was a “what” as in, “What’s going on?” or “How did this happen?” but other times, it was the more encouraging words of, “How did it go?” Written between the scenes of the never ending treadmill of her day-in, day-out exhaustion was a deep caring that went beyond words.¹
As a mom I remember saying much the same words to my now grownup kids. And now, as I watch them lovingly guide and care for their own, I have the privilege of seeing their children’s personalities and giftings take shape under their parents’ watchful eyes. The delight I feel when I see my grandchildren blossom into who they will possibly become fills my heart with such a deep affection that it makes me think I must be catching a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father feels when He delights in us. So I can’t imagine the Lord saying to any of us, For you to be happy and fulfilled, you need to put your nose to the grindstone and find your purpose in life.
Yet, that is exactly what we do. We wear ourselves out trying to find meaning and true happiness. What we are left with is the ache of a weary heart.
Instead, the Lord tells us to do just the opposite. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (your needs, even life’s meaning)* shall be added unto you.” -Matthew 6:33, nkjv *parenthesis mine
Look at Mother Teresa. I don’t think her first thought when setting out to care for the orphaned, hungry, and poor was based in trying to find purpose for her life. Rather, what she did was probably born out of a love for God, because she saw how much the Lord first loved her. With her eyes and heart set on Him, she lived out her life fully and with great passion.
Related Post: Why We’re Missing Out On Our Purpose
The Bible tells us that the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, and all our mind. And the second is like it, to love our neighbor as ourselves. (See Matthew 22: 37-39, nkjv.) As a loving Father, the Lord tells us this because He knows that if we delight in Him—loving and seeking Him—we too will discover fulfillment in our lives.
It is my prayer then for all of us, that instead of searching to find purpose, we will first learn to love God.
Heavenly Father, please fill us more and more with Your love. Please cause us to deny “self” allowing more of You to shine through us. Thank You for Your goodness, mercy, and faithfulness.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Kimberly
¹The Whirlpool Every day, care™ What/How Laundry Commercial Official Site: http://www.whirlpool.com/everydaycare/ as quoted in the blog, When Life Isn’t Necessarily About Finding Our Purpose found on Wildernessofgrace.com.
