R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts

"Success is ... Knowing your purpose in life,
Growing to reach your maximum potential, and
Sowing seeds that benefit others"
John C. Maxwell

Okay, let's start with just one part of this little maxim from a best selling author and leadership expert who has travelled world-wide telling millions of people how to be successful in life. He says step one to being successful is "Knowing your purpose in life." Several times in my life I have consciously, seriously, prayerfully sought out my real purpose in life. It's not an easy task. I try to re-think my purpose every so often to make sure I'm still on the right track. What is my life all about? Especially after a midlife divorce, we ask that question. What am I on this earth for? Me, personally. I've discovered that for me, my purpose has to go beyond my relationships. It must encompass my relationships, but it is not determined by my relationships. For example, for the years of my first marriage, I thought my purpose was to be a good wife to my husband and a good mother and a good friend. Those are all good things, but I've discovered that my purpose will affect all of those relationships, but it must also transcend them. My purpose has to be something that will not change no matter what else changes in the world around me. One of the prophets in the Bible says "Even if the mountains crumble into the seas, still will I praise God." That's the kind of purpose I want, so that whether my husband leaves me or I get cancer or I lose my job, or I am hijacked on an airplane or whatever catastrophes you can think of or whatever wild successes you can imagine, my purpose for living will not be affected. I can still joyfully fulfill my purpose on this earth regardless of what happens all around me. Take some time today or this weekend, to just think about your real purpose on this earth. Once you decide that, everything else starts falling into place. Personally, I believe God has a specific, adventurous, joyful purpose for each one of us ... asking him to reveal it to you might be a good place to start.

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.”
Psalms 138:8