I remember hearing that phrase “A plan and a purpose…” numerous times throughout my growing up years. It was almost always relating to one of two things.. 1) the reasoning and sometimes outcome for/of a situations one might be going through, or 2) the calling on one’s life and the (hopefully) positive impact this would bring, usually to the benefit of not only self, but especially for others.
Side note.. I have noticed that a plan always seems to need a purpose, but a purpose is not necessarily dependent on a plan, helpful though it may be. Perhaps more on this observation at another time..
And while I have certainly had numerous plans, some successful while others not so much, I confess that at this point in my life I don’t really give much thought to them. But purpose… now that is another story entirely.
For as long as I can remember I have thought with certainty that there is a purpose for every single person on earth. The particular kind of purpose that envelopes and perhaps molds our own individual identities. It’s not so much what we do , though that may play a small part in it, but rather it defines who we are, and gives hope and life to our own legacies.
I got to see an example of this play out in person about a month and a half ago. My daughter and I had taken some time out to spend a few days away at a reptile convention/show. It centers around something we both love, and along with getting to be in an environment made up of all things reptile, and other various semi-related creatures (and yes, I realize this is not everyone’s cup of tea). The critters, supplies and products alone would have been worth the trip. Being around others who share your love of these awesome creatures was an added bonus.
But the icing on the cake – a meet and greet with Emily from Snake Discovery, someone key in shaping the path to my daughter’s current career, and in a job she actually loves!!! I must admit that I became uncharacteristically fangirl-ish. We waited hours in line, first thing, to get to meet someone well worth looking up to, what with her years of experience in educating and assisting others about all aspects of so many amazing creatures.
We were only about the 30th in the meet and greet line, with the line extending back well past where I could see. She took her time with each set of guests/fans, completely engaged in each conversation, willingly answering questions, patiently undistracted, and interested in what each person had to say.
After our own turn I thought to myself ‘Wow! Here is someone completely in tune with & living fully in their purpose.’ If I had not been so amazed before I would have been awestruck in the realization. And though I would not have thought it possible I came away from the experience with an even more deeply rooted admiration for this woman, her program and business, and all those behind the scenes that make what she inspires in others so seemingly and effortlessly possible.
Because of her, them, and others like her the plans and purposes of many others, like my daughter’s, not only get to see the light of day, but to flourish in it! How awesome is that!?!
Which then brings me to some self-reflection… What of the plans and purpose that God has for me? And what about those same things for others like me? Were we really living or at least aiming for our own plan and purpose before tragedy struck? How did that tragedy alter that trajectory? Is my plan and purpose now shaped by what I wish had never happened? (In my own case the answer is yes.). What is keeping me from fully stepping into that, and how do I overcome those obstacles and stumbling blocks?
I wish I had the answer to each of these questions, but right now I just don’t. I must admit that right now am just continuing on, purposefully, on a few things… Faith – that this will come about. My own personal prayers – even when I am unsure what exactly to be praying. The prayers of others – who believe as strongly in this particular purpose and the unique and positive impact it will have on others.
In the meantime, for this New Year, I sincerely wish for you all peace and hope and joy in pursuing and in fully living in your own purpose!
Of Loss and Love 