Finding My Purpose
Sometimes in life, we can start to feel a bit lost. When these feelings appear, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut. These feelings of uselessness and a lack of purpose have appeared in my life more than once. Each time they encouraged me to pursue the things that truly made me happy. Each time pushing me in a new direction than before.
The first time I recall feeling a lack of purpose in life was towards the end of my first year of college. School was going great, I was doing well at work as a hostess, and I had a perfect family and social life; but still, something was missing. I felt I had too much time on my hands, and I wasn’t making a difference with this extra time.
Just then, it was like a divine intervention from God. I was contacted by my high school cheerleading coach about a job opportunity working for a summer camp program. This program combined the arts and education for kids in my community. At the time, I was studying to become an elementary school teacher, so I jumped at the opportunity. I applied, completed an interview, and was hired within a week! As summer began and the training days turned into actual work days, my feelings of uselessness had started to fade. I learned that serving my community and working with children was something I truly enjoyed. After the camp ended, another weeklong community service opportunity began. I worked as a group leader for my local church’s Vacation Bible School program. I was truly happy. I was living my best life!
As the summer came to an end, so did the programs. Ergo, I began searching for a purpose again. I have always had a relatively strong faith, so I leaned in that direction whenever I began to feel lost in life. I was able to help lead worship on Sunday mornings, and serve on a committee within my church. When summers and winters rolled around, I served as a counselor at a church camp we sent our youth to. Experiencing the impact I was able to make on so many lives through this work was unmatched. I felt a true purpose in life, once again!
As life went on, things changed, and so did I. I stepped into, hands-down, the most important roles of my life. The roles of a wife and a mama! These new roles changed my life like never before. My new purpose is now being the best possible wife I can be to my husband and the most loving, caring, and understanding mama I can be to my sweet baby boy. Understanding that we are constantly evolving into new stages of life has helped me stay positive and understand that I will always serve a purpose.
Remember, you have a purpose, too! The easiest way to find it is to follow your heart. It should come easily to you, and most of the time, you are already serving it!
- Amanda May
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