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Living a Life of Purpose: More Than Just a Goal

When Maya decided to leave her six-figure corporate job to start a nonprofit supporting underprivileged youth, most of her friends thought she was making a mistake. On paper, she was successful—she had the title, the income, the apartment in the city. But inside, she felt empty. Every morning was a routine blur, and no amount of vacation days or promotions could shake the feeling that something was missing. It wasn’t until she took a step back and asked herself what truly mattered to her that she began to live with purpose.

Living a life of purpose doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job or launching a nonprofit, but it does require clarity. Purpose is about aligning your actions with your values, and waking up with a sense of meaning that goes beyond just surviving or meeting expectations. It’s about asking, “What impact do I want to have?” and “What kind of life do I want to lead?”

Many people associate purpose with a grand, world-changing mission, but in reality, it often starts small. It could be raising kind and compassionate children, creating art that inspires others, or simply being a reliable friend. The key is intention. Purpose doesn’t always show up with fireworks—it often grows slowly, fed by curiosity, compassion, and consistency.

Living with purpose also requires courage. Society is full of noise about what success should look like: wealth, status, productivity. But a purposeful life might not check those boxes. It may look quieter, more personal. It may involve sacrifices or uncertainty. But the fulfillment it brings is deeper and more lasting. Studies even show that people who live with a sense of purpose tend to have better mental and physical health, and a stronger sense of resilience.

To begin cultivating a life of purpose, start by reflecting on what energizes you. What are you doing when time seems to disappear? Who do you feel most like yourself around? Journaling, meditation, or simply unplugging from digital distractions can help clear space to explore these questions.

Finally, remember that purpose evolves. What gave your life meaning at 25 may shift by the time you’re 45. That’s not failure—it’s growth. The goal isn’t to find one unchanging mission, but to stay connected to what matters most in each season of your life.

Like Maya, you might find that purpose doesn’t always follow a straight line. But when you live in alignment with your deepest values, every step—no matter how uncertain—can feel like it truly matters.

What does living with purpose look like for you right now?

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Embracing the Extraordinary

It was an ordinary Tuesday afternoon when Sarah, a busy single mother, found herself stuck in a stressful situation. Her car had broken down in the middle of a deserted highway. With no phone signal and a growing sense of helplessness, she prayed for a miracle. Minutes later, a man in a pickup truck appeared out of nowhere, offering her help. He had all the tools she needed to get back on the road, and just as suddenly as he had arrived, he drove off, disappearing into the horizon. Sarah was left stunned and deeply grateful. What felt like a random occurrence had the feeling of something much more profound—a miracle.

Miracles are often seen as rare, otherworldly events, but what if we told you that they might be happening around you all the time? They don’t always have to be grand, dramatic moments—sometimes, they’re simple acts of kindness or perfect timing. Miracles, in their many forms, are an invitation to believe in the possibility of the extraordinary, even within the seemingly mundane.

The Merits of Miracles

Miracles have a unique ability to shift our perspective. They remind us that there is more to life than just the ordinary course of events. When we experience something miraculous, whether it’s finding the solution to a problem, a moment of pure synchronicity, or a breathtaking natural occurrence, we are reminded of the mystery and wonder of existence. Miracles invite us to pause, reflect, and feel a sense of awe, which can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and mental well-being.

Furthermore, miracles can inspire us to believe in the interconnectedness of the universe. They help us recognize that we are not isolated beings, but part of a larger, often unseen, pattern. When we embrace this, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, greater compassion, and deeper connections with those around us.

Tips for Seeing and Embracing Miracles

  1. Cultivate Gratitude: The first step to recognizing miracles is learning to appreciate the small moments. By practicing gratitude daily, you begin to notice the beauty and magic that already exists around you. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a clear sky after a storm, or the unexpected help of a stranger, gratitude allows you to see the miracles in your life more clearly.
  2. Stay Open to Possibilities: Miracles often come in unexpected forms. They might not look like what we imagine or desire. Being open to the unknown allows you to embrace the miraculous when it arrives, even if it defies your expectations.
  3. Trust Your Intuition: Intuition can be a powerful guide in recognizing miracles. When you feel a sense of knowing or a gut feeling that something special is about to happen, trust it. Many miraculous events begin as a nudge or an instinct, leading us to a transformative experience.
  4. Look for Patterns and Synchronicities: Miracles often arrive as perfect synchronicities—events that seem to align in the most meaningful ways. Pay attention to the patterns in your life, the times when things just seem to fall into place, and the surprising connections that appear at the right time.
  5. Embrace Faith: Belief in miracles doesn’t necessarily require a religious framework; it simply requires a sense of faith—faith in the unseen, the possible, and the greater good. Even in moments of doubt, holding onto a sense of trust can open the door to miraculous experiences.

Miracles are all around us, waiting to be discovered and embraced. By cultivating gratitude, staying open, trusting our intuition, recognizing synchronicities, and embracing faith, we can invite more miracles into our lives. Perhaps, as Sarah learned that day on the highway, we don’t always need to look far to find them—they might be closer than we think.

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Paying it forward

A cold winter evening in a small town is the backdrop for a story that resonates with the power of giving. Sarah, a young mother, stood at the grocery store checkout, her arms laden with essentials for her family. The total was more than she expected, and she found herself fumbling for her wallet, realizing it was a bit lighter than she anticipated. Behind her, an elderly woman noticed the situation and quietly stepped forward, paying for Sarah’s groceries without a second thought. “Don’t worry about it,” the woman said with a warm smile, leaving Sarah with a profound sense of gratitude.

This simple act of kindness, though small in monetary terms, rippled out far beyond the grocery store. For Sarah, it wasn’t just the groceries that mattered—it was the reminder that kindness exists even in the toughest of times. She later paid it forward by volunteering at a local food pantry, helping others in need. This story illustrates the profound impact of charitable giving—not just for the receiver but for the giver as well.

Charitable giving doesn’t always have to come in the form of money; it can be time, goods, or services. But regardless of how it’s given, there are numerous benefits that make it an essential practice in any community.

  1. Building Stronger Communities: When individuals contribute to a cause, whether through financial support or volunteering, they help create a more cohesive and supportive environment. For instance, organizations like Habitat for Humanity not only provide housing but also strengthen bonds between volunteers, home recipients, and the larger community.
  2. Enhancing Mental Health: Giving can have powerful emotional benefits. Research shows that acts of kindness can boost happiness, reduce stress, and even improve overall well-being. One study by the National Institutes of Health found that giving activates the brain’s reward system, making us feel good both emotionally and physically. Just the act of helping someone else can create a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
  3. Encouraging a Culture of Generosity: When individuals give, they set an example for others to follow. Children who grow up seeing their parents give back are more likely to become generous adults themselves. Charity fosters empathy and compassion, and when these values are passed down, communities become more resilient in the face of challenges.
  4. Tax Benefits: Beyond the emotional and social advantages, charitable giving can provide tangible benefits, such as tax deductions. Donations to qualifying organizations are often tax-deductible, reducing an individual’s taxable income. This is a practical reason that encourages more people to contribute.
  5. Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Finally, charitable giving can be a pathway to personal growth. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating money, or offering expertise, giving allows people to step outside themselves and develop new skills, broaden their perspectives, and gain a sense of accomplishment.

In the end, charitable giving is a two-way street. Not only do recipients benefit from the generosity of others, but givers also experience a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment that enriches their lives in countless ways.

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True Story of Kindness: The Power of a Simple Gesture

In a world that often feels overwhelmed by negativity and self-interest, it’s always refreshing to come across stories that remind us of the simple, powerful impact of kindness. One such story took place in a small town in Oregon, where a stranger’s selfless act changed a family’s life.

It was a rainy afternoon when Sarah, a single mother of two, found herself stuck in a tight spot. Her car had broken down on the side of a busy highway, and with no roadside assistance plan and her funds already stretched thin, she didn’t know what to do. She could hardly afford a tow truck, and to make matters worse, she was supposed to pick her children up from school in just an hour.

As Sarah sat in her car, feeling helpless, a man in his mid-40s, named Mike, pulled up alongside her. He was driving a beat-up pickup truck, looking a bit worn but friendly. Mike rolled down his window and asked if she needed help. Sarah, feeling a bit apprehensive, explained her situation. She was surprised when Mike didn’t hesitate to offer his assistance.

Mike was a mechanic by trade, and despite having a busy schedule, he told Sarah he could take a quick look at her car. He worked with cars in his free time, helping those who couldn’t afford the high prices of garages. After a few minutes, Mike diagnosed the problem — the alternator had failed. With his expertise and a few basic tools from his truck, he managed to temporarily fix the issue enough to get Sarah to a nearby auto shop.

As the car sputtered to life, Sarah felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She offered to pay Mike for his time and effort, but he refused. “I’ve been in tough situations before, and someone helped me when I needed it,” he explained with a smile. “Now, it’s my turn to pass it on.”

Not only did Mike fix her car, but his gesture gave Sarah more than just the ability to drive her kids to school that afternoon — it reminded her of the good in people and restored her faith in humanity.

What’s remarkable about this story is its simplicity. Mike didn’t have to do anything extraordinary, yet his act of kindness made a world of difference for someone in need. It’s a reminder that good deeds don’t always have to be grand; sometimes, it’s the small, unexpected gestures that carry the most weight.

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The Language of Love

Have you ever given someone a gift, never to see them wear it, hang it on the wall, or utilize it in any way?  After my sister was married, I sent off one of her engagement photos and had it replicated to a painting. From the moment I presented it to her and her husband, I never saw it again. I don’t know what she did with it, but it would seem that she never hung it anywhere.

A powerful way to connect with those we love is through the knowledge and use of known love languages. Whether it be a partner, significant other, spouse, or friend, we can meet each other’s emotional need to feel loved by understanding their primary love language. This alone provides a priceless advantage. You may also find it very helpful to evaluate and acknowledge your own key love language(s).

According to author Gary Chapman, the author of “The 5 Love Language,” there are five expressions of love and the one that makes you feel most loved may be different than someone else’s. For example, I have a friend whose primary love language is indeed gifts. To give her a gift, provides her with a profound feeling of being loved. For myself, gifts do not provide me with that feeling. When someone provides to me an act of service, it could be anything, I feel truly loved. Here is a more comprehensive list of Gary’s 5 love languages:

Words of Affirmation

This would be the use of verbal compliments or words of appreciation. For example, “I love how you helped me clean up the kitchen after dinner.” We may often think these thoughts, but to those who feel deeply loved by affirmation, it can be meaningful and imperative to express it.

Quality Time

This is about giving someone your undivided attention and being attentive to them. Intimacy doesn’t just happen in the bedroom. It’s about spending time alone together in an atmosphere of communication, focused attention, eye contact, and respect. Spending daily time in healthy communication should be considered a minimum daily requirement. If quality time is primary to you or your partner, plan quality activities of mutual interest.

Acts of Service

By physically serving another, doing the things that you know they would like you to do, you can provide a profound expression of love to them. If you know this to be your partner’s primary love language, seek to do what you can to reduce their load. Make a list if it helps. Acts of service should not feel forced, but should be done out of love. Requests give direction to love, however, demands can stop the flow of love. Examples include cleaning, cooking, making beds, fixing things, and running errands.

Receiving Gifts

The long history of the giving of gifts is a cultural pattern which has intrigued anthropologists. Gifts are a visual symbol of love and a part of many modern day rituals. These gifts can be purchased, found, or made. If this is your partner’s primary love language, you may have to change your attitude toward spending money, but creativity can go a long way.

Physical Touch

There is great power in physical touch. Holding hands, kissing, embracing, and sexual intercourse are all ways of communicating emotional love to one another. Physical touch is not limited to one localized area of the body, but some areas will be more sensitive than others. Light touches of love require little time, but much thought. If a primary need, expression through touch is only limited by the imagination.

Having a different primary love language than your partner may feel awkward at first to feed, but without knowledge you will continue to stumble. I would encourage, if you have not done so, that you and your partner do a questionnaire to understand what makes you each feel truly loved. Just web search the love languages quiz.

I sincerely believe that understanding your partner more fully can only enhance your relationship. What you learn can also be transferred to other relationships, including friendships. Providing someone with the feeling of being loved is a gift of ultimate value.

People who love each other fully and truly are the happiest people in the world. They may have little, they may have nothing, but they are happy people. Everything depends on how we love one another.

~ Mother Teresa

Regerence: Chapman, Gary (2010). The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts (3rd Edition). Northfield Publishing.

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Gathering together

It would seem that we are wired to gather together with others. According to Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, we are living in a period of time when coming together is more important than ever. Let’s explore why and when we gather.

Prehistoric hunter-gatherers often lived in groups of a few dozen people, consisting of several family units. There was diversity in an organized living space, allowing for the sharing of workload with a probable social network structure. With the prospect of various group configurations, there was an allowance to share, for example, large amounts of meat, when acquired, with other groups of neighboring communities. This provided sustenance, but also minimized waste. The concept of gathering also lays a foundation for language. Not needed when alone, the use of language allows for discussion regarding various important topics like hunting or child rearing strategies.

Communal living is still practiced today. It provides the opportunity to live in your own private space yet be part of a family. It may be practiced for financial reasons, for the social benefits, or to co-habitat with those of similar beliefs. Coexisting with others can be a treasure whereby fundamental needs are met, with a feeling of comfort and belonging.

In what ways do we, can we, gather together?

Conferences: As is said, iron sharpens iron. When we come together with a shared purpose to learn and grow, by sharpening each other’s blade, we become more effective tools. We can learn new skills from others while sharing our own.

Weddings: We can have a deeper sense of significance with key milestone moments when we gather in a symbolic ritual. There is some accountability when a couple makes promises to one another in the presence of witnesses. The ceremony represents the coming together of two families to support and hold the couple accountable for those promises to one another. It is a celebration of their bonded life together.

Funerals: This type of gathering provides a path for the processing of grief. Mourners have an opportunity to process the reality of what has happened. They can share memories of their loved one, while saying goodbye to that physical presence in their life. Sharing these aspects with others who may feel similarly, can be cathartic and healing. We can find comfort in this group setting.

Worship: Genesis 2:18 states God’s intent that we not be alone. As we engage in worship, we can encourage and be an inspiration to others. Non-believers can be influenced by love and good works. Mathew 18:20 says that where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, he will be with them. This supports the idea of a community of believers, not necessarily a building or institution.

Meals: It is a cultural custom to gather together around food. There seems significance in the breaking of bread together. Eating can be the most satisfying and joyful time of day. Why not share it with others? Not only does eating together create meaningful time, but studies show that not eating together has quantifiably negative effects on both physical and psychological well-being.

That are many ways to gather with others, both physically and virtually. Although we tend to gather with those that support us and our belief system, never underestimate the power of divine appointments. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable group setting, try to see the big picture. What good might come of it?

If you are feeling lonely, seek out groups and/or activities to provide the opportunity to gather with others. Share your light. Being willing and able to commune with others can provide perspective, cultivate inspiration, ease your burdens, and bring great joy.

References:

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/991/prehistoric-hunter-gatherer-societies

What is Communal Living?
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Graceful Tolerance

We’re living in a time of intense polarization among our fellow Americans. There are those that have such a passion for their beliefs, they do not allow others to express anything that may challenge it. In an effort to disqualify opposing views, they may attack or explode with toxic, abusive, and/or destructive behavior. This polarization is not just destroying relationships; it’s destroying our country.

With regard to politics, polarization has increased rapidly over the last 40 years. Meaning, citizens feel more negativity toward the other political party than their own. When people from differing political camps cease to respect each other, it’s much harder to make political compromises and to create good public policy.

In recent years, it seems that the divide reaches far beyond political opinions. Some people may be easily offended by others, with an insecure and unhealthy bias that is based on their own belief system.  With easy access to the internet and groups of various affiliation, it is quite easy to surround yourself with like minds, whether right or wrong.

Yet tolerance is the amazing quality of allowing others to do or believe what they want to do/believe, even if you do not agree with it. It is fair and objective. It does not judge nor condemn. Being tolerant of others is a moral virtue and a behavior we should all seek to characterize. Even further is acceptance, embracing and celebrating the differences of others.

When we tolerate the actions and beliefs of others, we are giving them grace, and giving grace to others is God’s will for us. With unconditional acceptance, we open the door to more wisdom, more peace, and more love. With grace, we provide the opportunity to learn from those with opposing views. And although we may believe that our way is the right way, given our humanistic capacity, we often fall short. We may seek to influence others with our own beliefs and maybe even change their minds, however, we need not fix our countenance on making it so.

Expressing tolerance for others can be beneficial for all involved. According to Psychology Today, showing tolerance to others allows them to learn from their consequences in their own time and find their way without trying to control them.

Ways to help you to tolerate others:

  1. Seek to understand their position
  2. Empathize with their beliefs
  3. Place emphasis on your similarities and ignore the differences
  4. Accept that uncertainty is ok
  5. Review your own beliefs, where they were derived, and whether valid

When you feel challenged with tolerance, check yourself first. Evaluate your thoughts and make sure that you are reacting from a healthy place. When your state of mind is disturbed by another, your ego may want to retaliate. Do not let it. Show patience with others by understanding that you yourself have likely, at some point, disturbed the peace of another. Whatever your surroundings may provide, you can always choose to grace with tolerance.

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The Blessing in Reconciliation

It is not unusual for people to drift in and out of our lives. They may stay for a season; they may stay for our lifetime; but there’s one thing I know for sure, divine appointments happen for a reason. They can be a blessing or a lesson.

It is also not unusual to find yourself in conflict with someone you care or cared about. We all carry emotional baggage that can trigger us or someone else. There can be misunderstanding, hurt or neglect that causes significant damage. As unfortunate as it may be, it’s possible for a conflict to affect a relationship so badly that it causes a separation. Forgiveness and reconciliation may seem impossible.

Scarlett shared a story about her dad with “Love What Matters.” He was an addict and died of an overdose in 2018. Their relationship had been difficult. Scarlett often found herself angry at him, angry at his comments, angry at his inability to do life, angry at his drunkenness and homelessness. Although she loved him, she frequently found herself embarrassed by him. Now that he is gone though, there is no chance of a healthy reconciliation. She is still angry, but she is angry at herself. She’s mad that she let her inability to forgive him affect the relationship. She says, “give forgiveness, because my regret over withholding it is stronger than all the anger I felt throughout the years. I forgave too late.”

Sometimes in life we have to choose between doing what’s easy and doing what’s right. Mending fences may not seem easy, but it may indeed be the right thing to do. The path to mending these vial connections starts with a foundation of forgiveness and a genuine desire for reconciliation. When we take the time to understand others and what they have been through, it may be possible that nothing is unforgivable.

Obstacles to forgiveness:

Pride – So long as you are hurt, you may feel that you are better than the person who hurt you.

Shame – You will need to come to terms with what happened.

Seeking vengeance – Retaliation is rarely noble and often unnecessary.

Clinging to being a victim – do you feel special status with being a victim?

In reality, to reconcile means to forgive, and to forgive means to let go of resentment and anger. For your part, take a look at your responsibility in the separation, if any. If self-forgiveness is needed, give yourself that gift. Empathy and compassion are great tools. Empathy helps you to understand another and compassion encourages you to take the action needed to reduce suffering.

Don’t wait until it is too late to reconcile a relationship. You can take action now. Release the negative emotions, forgive them, and reach out. Do what you know to be right, and don’t be a Scarlett.

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The Passion in Compassion

In 1995 Christopher Reeve became paralyzed from the neck down following a horse-riding accident.  He landed on his head, suffering a cervical spinal injury after shattering his first and second vertebrae. From that point on, Christopher was dependent on a wheelchair for mobility and a respirator for breathing. His wife Dana is known for her compassionate caregiving and support of her husband, post tragedy.

While compassion and empathy both refer to a caring response to someone’s distress, compassion can lead to action. For example, Dana’s compassion for her husband’s fate invoked a passion to care for him. Compassion creates space to suffer along with others, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate that suffering.

With bible translation, compassion means to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul directs them to “be kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

How can we show compassion for others?

First we must see, acknowledge, and feel the suffering of others. As we seek to make the world a better place, we can be motivated to improve the lives of others, to give what is needed, to show humility and the light of humanity. We can speak kindly and softly, advocate on other’s behalf, and offer resources, while showing empathy to their strife.

We were not created to live on an island. We are meant to live in harmony with others. The gift(s) you give to others can never be taken away. It becomes part of your and their history, withstanding all aspects of time. What does it cost you to be kind? If you find yourself in a place of abundance, look to share it with someone less fortunate. It’s really a win-win. Associate with the difficulties of others, honor and respect where they are, and give what you can, whether it be time, service, or money. You can lift up another, and with that true and honest compassion, lift yourself.

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With Loving Kindness

On his way home one night, a man stopped and bought a sunflower to put on the windshield of someone he was smitten with. After some consideration, he decided that after just the one date, perhaps the gesture was too much.

In the morning, not wanting it to go to waste, he grabbed the flower with the intent to give it to a random person on his way to work. While sitting and drinking his coffee at a local shop, he saw a woman reading something, as tears quietly and quickly slid down her pale face. It was then, he knew, the flower was meant for her. He then approached her table, flower in hand.

The modern term “Loving kindness” was first defined in 1535 as tender and benevolent affection. It is an English translation of Chesed, a term found in the Hebrew Bible. Chesed means ‘kindness or love between people’, specifically of the devotional piety of people towards God as well as of love or mercy of God towards humanity. According to Meriam-Webster, one who is benevolent genuinely wishes other people well, with bene meaning “good,” and velle meaning “to wish.” Other comparable terms to describe an act of loving kindness might be warmhearted, considerate, or sympathetic. Can you recall a time when someone treated you with loving kindness?

With “kindness” being the quality or state of being kind, how is the activity affected by adding the adjective “loving?” Can we be kind without being loving? Can we be loving without being kind? Certainly it is possible to be kind to those we do not love, but should we not love everyone on some level? And to love without being kind, well, that seems impossible.

When a Buddhist monk was invited to speak to a senior class he said this, “Statistically, it’s highly unlikely that any of you will ever have the opportunity to run into a burning orphanage and rescue an infant. But, in the smallest gesture of kindness – a warm smile, holding the door for the person behind you, shoveling the driveway of the elderly person next door – you have committed an act of immeasurable profundity, because to each of us, our life is our universe.

So we might challenge you in the coming week, to seek out those opportunities to be not only kind, but to be kind in a loving, benevolent manner. As Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” And if we go back to the beginning, our master is our finest teacher at doing good. God, works most freely in an environment of loving-kindness. Therefore, praying for miracles without praying in love is like petitioning in a foreign language. When we pray, we should do so not only with intention, but with love in our heart.

Act of Kindness ideas:

  • Ask someone how you might bless them
  • Cook a meal for someone in need
  • Write a hand-written note to someone, telling them what they mean to you.
  • Leave a thoughtful gift for someone anonymously
  • Pay for items for the person behind you in a queue

In a world where we can be and do anything, why not be kind. We need not do it for accolades or to soothe the ego, but because it is right and a moral responsibility. By acting towards another with genuine loving kindness, we can create a positive shift in not only their world, but ours as well.