The ‘Self’ Driven Life
This blog is in no way speaking
directly of the bestselling book “The Purpose Driven Life.� I
merely use this title to explain my thoughts in an applicable way
that readers can identify with. Most readers of this blog have heard
or read of that famous book. What follows is my personal journal
entry that explains my title, and the meaningful personal revelation
I experienced. One that has been many years in the making…
It’s not a lack of purpose, but a
lack of self-identity:
The ‘Self’ Driven Life
For years I have searched out my
‘purpose.’ I have asked myself and God “why was I born?â€� “What
is the purpose of my life?� “What life vocation am I supposed to
have?� These questions, never answered of course, would then lead
to other questions, “Why can’t I seem to find my purpose?â€� “Am
I doing something wrong?� “Why do many others seem to have it
all together?â€� “Will I ever get my ‘light bulb’ moment?â€�
“What’s wrong with me?â€�
At age 28, I have lived a near full
life. Received a world class eduction, climbed the corporate and
private ladders, assisted CEO’s, sat in board meetings, hired,
managed and fired employees, lived near the beach, traveled the
world, witnessed my sister get married, experienced my nephews’
births, changed diapers, been ‘daddy,’ buried my papa, grandma,
cousin, and friends, owned an apartment, a car, and served
consistently in the church as lead worshiper, mentor, pastor, and
friend. Life has been AMAZING! (not to mention fun stuff like bungee
jumping, rafting, and cliff jumping)
And still I am left with the same
question ringing in my ear… “Do I have a specific purpose, and if
so, WHAT IS IT?!!?�
I have traveled this year with 51
other young adults around the world. And I have yet to hear one
person say that they have figured out their life purpose. Why is
this so?
(I don’t think I would work as a gypsie, nope, phew)
I believe that there is no such
thing as a specific purpose in life. Searching for this elusive goal
should not be a consuming life quest. This is especially true for
men, who are driven by finding and knowing their purpose for being.
What I have come to realize is this;
Each and every
person has an identity, and it is this identity,
when realized,
that brings you your drive, meaning, and fullness in Life.
When your identity is left
undiscovered, untapped, unrealized, or even wounded, scarred, abused,
raped, or killed, this is the true source of a person lost. Not
knowing who you are creates lostness. When a person
can realize ‘who’ they are, not ‘why’
they are, I believe he/she is able to practically and tangibly, as
well as excitedly and dreamily, see themselves as not only able
but capable of living their life found not lost,
alive and not dead.
What happens when you can live your
life ‘found,’ when you can know your self, your identity, who
you are? This is what happens…
Continued in Part 2
