Are you ready for a new year, a new mindset? Start Confident by Finding Purpose in Your Plans!

Nothing happens until the pain of remaining the same outweighs the pain of change.”  Arthur Burt

Tissues close-by, the work was taxing but surprisingly tangible over the months. Believing I was damaged beyond repair, devoid of pre-packaged purpose, my counselor carefully confronted the counterfeit voices controlling my mind.

“Transformation is often more about unlearning than learning.” Richard Rohr

Laboring in the fires of transformation, the dross slowly bubbled to the surface—I could behold hope beneath. Understanding was flickering on dawn’s horizon, yet the process held its grip tightly, disallowing movement beyond a crawl. 

But growing things typically develop silently, slowly, deep in the darkness of decomposing dirt. Yet there is something nourishing and life-giving in all the compressed, earthy blackness.

Truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24

Amid death of the old, signs of new life emerged. 

Light and truth nourished unreached depths in my soul—holding, healing, hopeful. Unhurriedly, purpose unveiled itself, having absolutely nothing to do with—

“How I look, what I do, or what others say about me.” Adrian Von Com

Sometimes finding our purpose may be airbrushed with pain, but beauty emerges as the canvas comes alive with color. 

Your purpose is not rooted in your performance, past, or pristine online presence, but your participation in God’s plan.

Our purpose is bigger than our

• number of likes
• picture-perfect poses 
• stellar test scores
• climb up the career ladder
  

God created you with a specific calling, purpose and gifts. (Eph.2:10)

His divine creation, your life is wrought with Kingdom potential!

So, turning towards a new year with fresh eyes, hopeful hearts and crisp, clean planner pages, what do you envision written upon them? What dreams are you too afraid to whisper—let alone write? 

What stories are simmering below the surface, desperate to be recounted?

In my journey from trash to treasure, my next important steps in discerning purpose have been:

• Reflection, aiding in finding future purpose.
• Soul prodding with pad and pen.
• Safe people to help sift my dreams and passions, offering accountability and encouragement in earnest truth-telling

These are gems gently nudging us towards a purpose-filled direction. 

1. Connection – They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. Acts 2:46

God created us for connection; being in community is healthy for mind, body and soul. So find that accountability partner, meet a friend for coffee, zoom with family. Before COVID, we were already suffering an Isolation Pandemic. The enemy wants us isolated above all else!

I’ve prayed for a mentor for 20 years and am still waiting. Don’t give up; seek out and invest in relationships—in loving others we find our purpose.

2. Reflection – “I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.”’ Then my spirit made a diligent search.”  Psa.77:6

Reflective Journaling has been monumental in uncovering my purpose.  And, I have the perfect tool: The Next Right Thing Guided Journal. This is not a static journal; it morphs alongside you, escorting you on abridged expeditions into the past and present to more clearly discern your future purpose. Emily also has a podcast: The Next Right Thing, which has been instrumental in maintaining a hope-filled mindset. The quarterly reflection practice she outlines became a regular rhythm for me.

“Passion without preparation is a good intention designed to fail.” Lisa Whittle

So, this week, spend some time with Jesus, pen and journal, and tell someone what you discover. Let them encourage and keep you accountable. Grant them permission to speak the truth in love.

Planning without purpose is an incomplete portrait. 

Then meet me here next week for the final step in God-fueled success this year – Peace is possible!

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4.