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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Purpose of Life


We hear people talking and asking, we read books to understand what life is about.  Do we have a purpose on this earth? Do we die when that purpose is fulfilled? Some suggest we are meaningless creatures, a product of reproduction. (To that I totally disagree!) 

I believe that our purpose in life is to love and honor God by serving Him, keeping His commandments, and being a witness.  That by doing what we know as our purpose, we will also be an example to others.

But how do we serve Him? I cannot take Him a cup of coffee, as I would my spouse. I can however give a prayer of thanks that I am able to have the hot cup of coffee and that I have a spouse to joyfully give a cup. I can give the tired waitress an encouraging smile and greeting, as well as a monetary tip.  I can show patience when the checkout line doesn’t seem to move.  How many ways can you think of to show a kindness?

However, I also believe that there is a hidden purpose that we are not to know.  We are not to try to find it; because, if we found it we would become prideful.  It is only completed as a by-product of honoring and serving God. 
Butterflies in Flight

Following my mother’s stroke, we were visited by a Nun from the hospital.  Our conversation led to this statement by her.  She said she prays “for the people whose lives I touch, and for those who touch mine”.  For we may not know whose lives we touch, it might be the person at the next table, or behind us in line.  And, we may not know the person who has set an example that we see, but need to thank.
 
Today I thank you for reading my tidbits, for those of you who leave comments. May you go in peace and with God’s blessings.
Rhonda

12 comments:

  1. Well said! :) I like your attitude!

    Anastasia
    CFoA member

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  2. Wow, never thought about not trying to find out about my purpose for risk of pridefulness. Thanks so much for sharing and giving us all something to think about :)

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  3. Rhonda, This post resonates with me totally. I have been "late deafened" for 25 years now. I lost my hearing totally at 39. Spent 13 years hearing only sonar blip type noise with a hearing aid only because I could not stand the
    smoothered in cotton feeling of no sound at all. I wrote a poem way back then, when the Lord held out His hand to me one very bleak day when I had nothing left of myself to go on, deafness, trying to be a mom to three children as I had been was too hard. Let's just say I was emotionally along to deal with this. The Lord held out His hand (I was saved for 9 years before this, but until that day never totally had given myself to Him. So I wrote this poem about "Let me love the hurting until I see you face to face, let me tell them of your grace" (I may have forgotten the exact wording in the second line) but the gist is I thought the deafness and depending on HIM every day to thrive would enable me to reach others.....so it's 25 years later and truthfully, I have no clue if I have shown my blessed Lord to anyone who was hurting. I like the prayer the nun said. I am going to think on that now. Such a heart tugging post. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a cool comment! You made my day! I like your style. Your painting are wonderful..Blessings, Lynn

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  4. Beautiful. I love what the Nun who visited you said. I am going to remember that in my own prayer life and start implementing it today. Thank you.

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  5. Yes, we never know who we touch. Beautiful blog post Rhonda....

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  6. I believe that God works on a 'need to know' basis. If we need to know, He tells us. Otherwise, we just need to keep doing the last thing He told us.

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  7. I always try and think about the fact that what I do, what I say, how I act, if I smile, if I listen...everything I do may be the 1 thing someone needs at that very moment. And if I hold that back I may of missed my chance to impact THEIR world...never hold back being kind, it might just be YOUR moment....

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  8. This was such an inspiring piece that you wrote- as beautiful as your art work. You have a very artistic way with words. I truly believe-everyone that comes into our lives comes with a reason. I am happy to know you!

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  9. You are such a nice person - I really wish I had your kindness and wisdom! I am not a religious person but I enjoy your blogs. Keep them coming. Cheers from down under. Heather.

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  10. Hello Rhonda... I read your comments and agree with many of your points... we are absolutely called to serve.. to support... to witness... to love... all of which sounds so very easy on paper... but as we all know can be challenging to the best of us...
    Yes.. smile at the lady in the check out line.. that seems ticked off.. or the young boy you pass that seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders... lift him up in prayer... to your higher power.. whoever you believe that higher power is... we are all called to be our brothers keepers... do your little bit of good where you are... it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world... hugz... KaT

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  11. Thank you all! I am inspired by your comments. I am sorry to be late in reading them (but as I explained in a recent post I had a concussion). I am printing a copy of each reply.

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