Why do I Exist? I often find myself asking this question more often than I like to. At times, am skeptical and other times, am as certain and zealous as you can imagine. Whether you admit it or not, I bet you've probably asked yourself similar question at sometime in your life. If you’ve not, well ...keep on living. I dare argue we are designed to seek a deeper meaning in life, and while some find the answer earlier on in their life, for others; this the question remain unanswered. So, why do you or I exist?
One of my mentor remarked "Work is what we were designed to do, but Job is what we are trained to do". To contextualize this statement, the topic in discussion was surrounding the issue of how peoples’ life have transformed over the last few years either due to catastrophic events e.g. Haiti’s/Japan’s earthquake, drought in Africa, high numbers of unemployment across the global, etc. The point; we have all witnessed untold changes than we would like proving that change is perhaps the only change we should expect. I suppose what I inferred from the statement is that if I focus on the question, 'what is my work/destiny' am more likely to push forward with zeal, joy and tenacity, and ultimately reach my destiny if I faint not. However, the same is also true; if I choose to focus on the antithetical, I will end up in apathy, dissatisfied, and being tossed and turned to various directions.
So, how do you pursue your destiny you ask? Focus on your gifts: all of us have God-given gifts that are unique to each individual. I would therefore argue that it all starts by knowing what you are best in or simply ask yourself; if money and time was not an issue, how would I be spending my life? Would I be painting, traveling, writing, fighting for justice? Once you identify what that is, proceed on to developing that gift if this is necessary e.g. sign up for voice training if your gift is singing. For others, this might mean a complete life change, seeking training or a mentor to harness your gift, and for others it might mean get your hands dirty, start doing what you love now because well, tomorrow is not guaranteed.
The wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon asked this question, "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown [foolish] men". He continued by adding... "Like a bird that wanders from its nest [one who does not know his [gift/talents], is a man who wanders from his place [purposes/calling]".
By now you are probably wondering, have I then answered the question above? My answer, yes; however, much toiling is inevitable as Rome was not build in a day. If you need some inspiration, this short text might help: Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson or better yet, get a copy of King Solomon’s Proverbs!
