Tomorrow I‘m turning 31 years old. And, unlike previous years in the past I am refusing to say, “I am so old!”
Let’s take a little glimpse of the past! When I turned 14, I remember already feeling old and “cool” because I was dating someone older than me. I refused having a sweet 16. I told my parents, “I will only wear a fancy dress once in my life, and that’s on my wedding day.” Yup! I aged myself a few years by planning my wedding. Then at 21, I’ve done so much drinking prior to this “special” birthday that it quite honestly didn’t feel special at all! My liver felt old.
But, at 26 (better late than never) something in me started changing! I had survived through years of depression and alcoholism. I fought against obesity and lost 60 lbs in a healthy way. More significantly, I was getting pulled towards something greater. I understand now, what I didn’t quite understand then. Jesus was tugging at my heart for a reason! I did not choose Him, but He chose me and appointed me so that I might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever I ask in His name the Father will give me. John 15:16
For the next years leading even after my Salvation at 28, I spent countless moments trying to figure out why God chose me. When I turned 30 last year as an engaged woman, I thought I had the answer through having a purpose filled marriage. Tomorrow, I turn 31 and I’ve come to find out that this is not the reason, nor the purpose God has for me. At least not for this season.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells of a Samaritan who came across a man that was naked, wounded, and half dead. When he saw this man he had great COMPASSION. He clothed the man, cleaned his wounds, and brought him to an inn where he was continued to be taken care of (Luke 10:25-35). Jesus continues by reminding us of God’s two greatest commandments, “to love the Lord with all your heart and soul. And to love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matt. 22:37)
Only when I experienced great loss did I realize what God had called me to do. See, when you let go of the loss, you’re able to grab on to Jesus instead. And, trust me, Jesus is a much better person to hold on to. Jesus, like the Good Samaritan showed so much compassion for us, enough to sacrifice his life for ours. And, Jesus loves us so much, he wants to lead us to the Father! He calls for us to experience the Father’s love and in return share that love with our neighbor. The greatest, most freeing moments of my life was when I was serving and loving my neighbor. Not when I was imprisoned by offense or living life only for what benefited me.
My purpose is not found in events, titles, or the level of my success. True purpose, like the one of Jesus is found when I am in complete servitude to others. It’s when my compassion leads me to truly feel and want to do good for someone else other than myself. This year, I’m praising God for this purpose! I am NOT old! In fact, I am young, free, redeemed, strengthened, and truly loved by Jesus. I’m celebrating God, because each and every day He wakes me up to have the opportunity to live my purpose; demonstrate compassion, share the love of Jesus with the world, love and serve my neighbor!
