Conversation about Purpose...

Conversation about Purpose #2

Having a purpose in our life is a funny business. Reflecting back on my own personal journey… I started a job as a dishwasher at Colorado Lion Camp for two summers and then three more jobs as a dishwasher. From dishwasher to line cook and then a chef at Garden of the Gods Resort, I am getting skillful in being chef. Never won any award, mind you. Then a friend thought about my ability in working with challenging people and asked me if I could work with a difficult student at Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind so I simply answered. I worked as an educational aide for three years. During that time, I discovered my gift as a shepherd so I decided to study sociology & psychology at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. At the same time in that timeframe, I was asked to become a youth leader (at a training to become a licensed pastor). I also simply answered by accepting the calling. So… I worked as an educational aide, enrolled at two universities, and volunteered as a youth leader. Being single helped, truly. Not long before I discovered my passion further by becoming a full time licensed pastor as well as enroll back into school for graduate study to become a clinical professional counselor. To be part of a helping field has always been in my scope. Always. 

If I look back… I was happy to be a dishwasher (along with all free meals… yummy). It is simple and straightforward. Nothing complicated about it. Dirty dishes in… then clean dishes out. That’s it. Being a chef is indeed adventurous fun. Maybe a bit more complicated but fun nonetheless. 

So… why the heck am I a counselor today (holding two masters in counselor and social work)? 

I simply saw something that needs to be done so I decided to be part of the solution instead of complaining. 

I also simply answered the call (the asking) instead of underestimating my strength or ability to help.

Through the years, training of many kinds (hand on learning experience, studying in a long hour, collaborating with amazing people, receiving construction as well as harsh and brutal feedback, series of prayers and reflections, and many more) develop and forge my skill in the helping field. 

Instead of waiting, I choose to be a productive citizen. 

Instead of waiting, I choose to see and then make myself available. 

Instead of waiting, I choose to serve in any way I can. 

This is how you find your purpose. By doing. Not thinking. Not waiting. Not sitting. But by doing. By being you, you are doing something. 

IF you find yourself struggling in discovering, identifying, or exploring a purpose in your life, that’s okay. You are not alone. I can help. Can we have a conversation about it over a cup of whatever fancies you? 

I also learned… having a conversation, by a good chance, you may discover the purpose. 

In a future blog, I may want to talk about the purpose that is higher than you… namely God-driven purpose. After all… we may forget that we are created to serve and to worship. This is the main purpose that we lost and it is time to go back to that primal calling. 

Also in the future blog, I would love to talk about the framework that was developed by Saddleback Church called S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gift, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences). It helps me in a huge way. I have used that to help others on an impactful level. 

And never too late… you are not too old to discover or rediscover the purpose in your life. Never. 

Shall we have a conversation, my friend?