Dear Tom:
I recently ran across a description of a man ( I can’t locate the source, or maybe I dreamed it ) that went something like this:
“He loved to smile. He avoided anger. He was never haunted by “Why am I here?” He knew why — he was here to give to others, to celebrate God, and to enjoy and honor the world he was put in.”
A simple purpose, but yet so tremendous in scope. This description sticks with me as I meditate. How much different would we all be if we woke up every morning with an attitude that every task we undertake is a gift to someone else. From a simple smile as we pass a person on the street to a meeting on world peace, we go about our day consciously working at giving to others.
We celebrate God. How much I envy those whose life is clearly a celebration to God. They are so filled with spirit and warmth. They exude a joy I marvel and wish at least a small bit would wear off on me. Their life is one huge volume of gospel music. I must continue to pray to learn how to celebrate God more.
Enjoy and honor the world we are put in. We can take this part of the description to many levels. Sometimes it takes an event like the one I just went through to make one realize that part of God’s purpose for our life is simply to enjoy life. A teammate called me the other night and as we swapped stories he reminded me that it is never too late to simply enjoy life and honor the world, whatever our circumstances. I know I can go deeper here, but that will be another day.
The man I described earlier sounds like someone I want to walk on a beach with and learn his secrets. You available anytime soon –friend?
Webb
A walk with you on the beach, Webb? Anytime… even if I don’t meet the description of the man you described! But it is my intention….
Webb,
When I read this blog entry from you several days ago, I was going to respond that our Sufi teachers tell us that we are all brought into this world with a unique purpose to fulfill – actually two. One is our “inner life purpose” and that is, as I understand it, to surrender in love to God. The other is our “outer life purpose” and is unique to each of us. I recalled a wonderful quote re life purpose from Martha Graham and just found it:
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.”
Tom