What fulfills you? What gives meaning to your day when it comes time to put your head on the pillow at night? I’m not necessarily talking about our purpose spiritually (to glorify God and be in a right relationship with Him) or the other end of the spectrum (merely completing our duties for the day, or doing something pleasurable), though it certainly might touch on one of those.
I believe that God gives each of us something, part of our individual personality or talents that, in addition to His presence, helps us feel fulfilled. For some, that might fall close to spiritual purpose, such as touching lives within their ‘job’ as missionary. For others, living a relaxed and carefree life or even finishing tasks on a list may be the thing that fills them up.
What creates that fullness in your life? Is it solving a problem? Is it earning a salary? Is it learning something new? Is it connecting with someone emotionally? Is it bringing order to chaos? Is it providing for your family? Is it serving others? Is it sharing your talents (singing, acting…) publicly? Is it teaching? Is it discovering a truth? Is it ministering to another’s need? Is it working against social ills? Is it trying something new or taking a risk?
Surely, by now, some of you are wondering what this all has to do with the above picture. Sometimes I wish my ‘thing’ was as noble as drilling wells for people with no clean water. Or delving into the Bible to find truths that have eluded others. Even taking risks, which I avoid like the plague. But I know without a doubt that it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around. I have no wish to discount either my talents and desires or the talents and desires of the people around me.
When I thought about it today, I was again sure that two of my main ‘things’ are family and creating something visually pleasing. Which is why I love to decorate my home. And entertain for family events. And scrapbook (which, by the way, hits just about everything on my list of enjoyments). Or how about taking visually appealing photographs of family members?
Yep, at the end of the day, if I have spent meaningful time with my family or created something beautiful, I breathe deeply and am happy with my life. If I have created something beautiful that connects me in some way to my family, even better. On the flip side of the coin, I go to bed troubled when my house is dirty and chaotic, I did something to make me feel like a failure at this ‘mothering gig,’ I am worried about someone in my family, or I did nothing to nurture a relationship with those closest to me.
I have long wanted to try my hand at creating silhouette cut-outs of my boys. It is one of those things I have ‘meant to get around to’ for quite some time. Today was the day. I keep looking at them and smiling. When I put my head on my pillow tonight, I will breathe deeply and be happy with my life.
