Ray of Sunshine: Make Room for Joy

Make room for what gives you joy. Dedicate time to your passions and pastimes, and you’ll make every day lighter and brighter.

Blessings for your day and week. Spread sunshine. Be the light.

Purpose and Passion

Our pastor spoke recently about the fact that God has called each of us to be and do something special. Each of us is gifted in some way with something that we are good at and that we enjoy immensely. During one portion of her sermon, she asked the congregation to take a few minutes and to share with those sitting in the pew next to us what we see as our passion and purpose.  My good friend next to me told me that she loves to sing with a particular group and she likes to be part of something that contributes to the greater good. In turn, I voiced that I enjoy the creative pursuits of writing and video projects. In the pew ahead of me, I saw a woman sketching a beautifully detailed drawing in pencil on a small piece of paper. Obviously, her gift is art. Behind me was a woman whose lovely voice shone true and pure with each hymn we sang.  I couldn't help but feel that one of her gifts is music. As I looked around me, I was no longer surrounded by people, but by gifts and passions.  We are each called to be our very best and to utilize our talents and gifts for the greatest good. I was thankful to our pastor and her sermon as a reminder of this important message.

Purpose Search

Perhaps it's a 50-something sort of thing, but I've had some amazing encounters with men and women in my age group recently who are searching for purpose and pursuing their passions.  I attribute my own search for purpose and pursuit of passions to the realization that I now have a fair amount of time behind me through which to look backward, along with a knowledge that over one-half of my life is likely over and wondering what I want to do with that precious remaining part.  One person I know is pursuing photography with gusto, taking classes in order to perfect craft, while also exploring other aspects of creativity by composing poetry.  Another person is quilting in earnest, making elaborate, beautiful and meaningful quilts and decorative, quilted items to give as special, personalized gifts.  Yet another person is returning to painting, using the brush to create a glorious image of the world.  Me? I can't seem to get enough of writing -- writing this blog, reminiscences, articles and other people's stories.  We always hear that life is so short, yet we often don't take the time to examine our purpose and pursue our passion.  I'm grateful to these wonderful people who shared the details of their own personal searches with me.  Their journey helps to validate my own.