Ahhh...the smell of freshly laundered linens coming from the dryer!. There is something about that feeling of fresh, clean linens on the bed when you crawl in at night for that long winter's nap...it feels so good! Speaking of winter, It makes me think of a fresh covering of new-fallen snow that settles over the ground, especially beautiful at night, when the moonlight reflects a blue glow on the smooth winter blanket. It's still fun, even as an adult, to be the first to make the footprints through the smooth covering and, if I've a mind to, fall back into the soft cushion of marshmallow-like powder and make a snow angel. It's almost like, for a moment, there is a blank canvas in that snowfall that awaits my input to create whatever I want. Fresh...new...blank canvas...create--these are the words that give us such hope at the beginning of a new year. I'm not much on resolutions, but I do believe that when we stand at the threshold of a new year, we have an opportunity that is unique and intentional. When God created time, he designed into the concept, rhythms and cycles that are healthy for us as humans. The 24-hour day, 7-day week, months and the year are all markers of time that help us have a sense of cycle and continuity, with increments that give us context as well as grounding. He knew this would be needed for us to have a sense of the journey we are on, and our unique place in His grander scheme of things. As the wise man, Solomon, wrote,
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven...Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart... (Ecclesiastes 3) The cycle of the seasons provides us with the opportunity to take assessment and consider where we are and where we want to go. This is a gift from our Creator. Consider what it means for you!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Next Steps... In order to live out our purpose, it's not enough to read a blog or day dream about the future, we have to take the next steps and put our dreams into action...to step out into that new fallen snow and make tracks. So, what does all of this mean for you? What are the next steps you can take to realize your purpose more fully?
Secondly, find those people who are on that Purposed trajectory and learning what it means to live it 24/7/365. Listen to their stories, note their successes and failures, hear what they've learned. These may be friends, colleagues or acquaintances. They will also be the people who are sharing their stories here in our community, particularly on the PURPOSED 365 Podcast. Each episode will reveal insights, inspiration, principles and perspectives that will be invaluable to you, on your own journey of fulfillment and purpose.
New Beginnings Start with First Steps A new year is the ideal time to start new habits that lead to those first steps of realizing whatever is next for you in fulfilling your purposed life! Start listening, writing and stepping out on this adventure and see what God does! What will be your next step? Identify one thing you're going to do to take the next step in realizing your purpose this year...share with us in the comments! We are excited to see your thoughts!
2 Comments
Angie
1/6/2021 04:28:56 pm
I bought a journal a year ago. I just happened upon it the other day still blank as the day I purchased it. I’m going to resolve to be more mindful and start writing down my thoughts, ideas and try to be more purposeful in my direction and the direction my path takes in the future.
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Randy
1/6/2021 05:55:17 pm
That’s an awesome idea! Writing is such a meaningful activity...there’s something about putting pen to paper that helps us think more clearly and process more intentionally. Go for it!
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AuthorWith over forty years of ministry experience, Randy Kinnick continues to live a life of pursuing the purpose for which he was created. Whether teaching God's Word to adults, coaching youth and young adults in finding their purpose, or caring for the hurting and abused in Southeast Asia, the adventure has taken him around the world in ways he could have never dreamed. The adventure continues! Archives
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