Purpose and the Pink Salt Lake

So much has happened since I appeared here last. It’s been two months, but it feels like another life. And to be honest, I like it that way. It’s been good to come back with fresh eyes, new purpose, and greater motivation.

While I was away (traveling to the other side of the country, and taking part in a canvassing program) we had some adventures, we saw some sights – such as the incredible pink salt lake in the middle of farmland next to the highway, – but we had a purpose. We had a mission, and that made all the difference. It wasn’t a holiday to relax and catch up on sleep. It wasn’t a lark to live it up while the teenage years last. We had an eternal goal, mission, purpose, aim, intention. Extra sleep lasts days; memories last years, maybe a lifetime; but reaching out to others, sharing hope, and pointing to Christ, lasts for eternity. That’s forever.

I’ve been reading a book called The Great Controversy, and talks about the lives of some of the reformers of the middle ages. It’s been inspiring reading of their dedication, and absolute adherence to what they believed was right. They wouldn’t even let death stop them. But here’s the thing: they had purpose. No sane man would be burned alive for the fun of it. They had their focus on something more lasting – eternal truth and salvation.

Purpose is something I’ve been thinking a lot about since returning home and falling into my previous way of living. Things that I used to spend a lot of time doing seem meaningless. What am I really gaining from reading that novel? What is the purpose of the hours I spend online? How does doing what I feel like benefit anything or anyone? What am I doing for God? When I was part of a group of young people who had a definite purpose, those questions were easily answered. I didn’t have time for reading anything less than the Bible. I was only online for necessary communication. Even domestic activities like cooking furthered the goal of spending time encouraging others. And while of myself I was inadequate, I felt like I was doing something for God. 

Having purpose changes things. Life is so much more fulfilling living with eternity in mind, seeing everyday tasks from the perspective of furthering God’s work, and basing decisions on the impact of forever. I want to live like that all the time.

 

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So there’s some of my perspective on purpose and life, and an insight into one of the ways being part of the canvassing program has shaped my thinking. What's your take on purpose? What do you think should be our purpose and motivation? What have you been pondering lately?

And I just have to say: I’m glad to be back! I’ve missed reading everyone’s blogs regularly, and seeing your view of things through your comments. So tell me what I’ve missed! What’s been happening in your lives? How was your end of year/new year break? And have you ever seen a pink lake?