Living on Purpose

Living on Purpose

Everyday of our lives, and especially during the season of Lent, we are called to be mindful of many things. Lent, the 40 days from Ash Wednesday until Easter, is an ideal time to pursue personal reflection, repentance, and an opportunity to live with more clarity, purpose and passion in our faith.

This is a suitable time to contemplate where we are in our faith journey. Our life as we live it here on earth – is just that – a faith journey. When we consider how we came to be - the miracle of our birth, the creation of the earth, sky, stars, moon, planets, animals and trees – how can we be anything other than awe-inspired.

Let us not allow ourselves to be caught up in the menial or tremendous pressures of our times or surroundings. We can personally protest the negative influence the media may have over us and work to stay clear from less than worthy acquaintances or situations that can lead us astray.

As God’s children let us praise people rather than participate in degrading talk of others. We can extend our helpful and gifted hands to others who can use a friend, a supporter, a pal or ally. Above all let us love our neighbor. Every person deserves to be acknowledged, respected, and loved.

We have an opportunity today, and everyday, to make changes that can positively affect our lives and those around us. Our circumstances should be of little consequence. We may be young, old, married, alone, widowed, divorced, with family or friends, in prison, away in school or handicapped. Our circumstances may be that we are rich, spoiled, sufficiently independent or poor, gainfully employed or jobless. If we strip away all that ranks or complicates us, we are simply humans with the same opportunity to live a life that models Christ. We are without a doubt loved beyond measure by God and we are devoid of excuses for hindering the blessings He has waiting for each of us.

There are twenty four hours in each day to either waste or to use fruitfully. Let us pray each morning as we start our day to remain free from sin and to be a worthy servant for God. We must remember to accept God’s forgiveness when we’ve missed our step and avoid beating ourselves up over our shortcomings. Remaining faithful and practicing patience are virtues pleasing to God. God knows what we need and when we need it. He asks us to cast our cares upon Him so that we will be relieved of our worries and suffering. Isn’t it wonderful to know we have such a loving God.

Jesus suffered for us through mockery and physical torture. He was bound, spat upon, struck, and slapped. He suffered grave humiliation. His hands and feet were nailed to a cross. His sides were lanced. He was scourged, and stripped of His clothes. He was repeatedly struck on the head with a reed, a crown of thorns. Jesus hung on a cross and waited for God’s hour of mercy. His love was so great for us that he withstood pain beyond our comprehension so that we may have eternal life.

We must choose to live our lives on purpose. Being a God pleaser brings many rewards. We must slow down so that we will see God’s abundant blessings, they are everywhere. We have the chance to make our passage through this life unique and gratifying. What awaits us all is the reward of eternity. Choose to travel the road that leads to ultimate salvation.
May God bless you.
Yours in Christ, Cec