Look to your skills, hobbies to find your purpose in life
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me ..."
- Psalm 138:8 (ESV)
June is my birthday month. Each year as the month rolls around, I like to look at any new things I may have learned over the past year, any new people I've met and what new pieces of my destiny God may be revealing to me through these occurrences.
One of the most common comments I hear from others is they would like to know their purpose. We've all been designed and destined to do, enjoy and engage in specific activities. By doing so, we fulfill God's plan for our lives, and we feel more fulfilled in life.
I understand you may have questions regarding this, too. I didn't always understand this either.
But for several years now, I have had the enjoyment of identifying my purpose. However, new pieces and opportunities still come as God guides and directs my destiny. I discovered that some of our gifts and talents are present from childhood, others come or go as we go through different seasons of our lives.
As a life coach, I've listed a few questions to ask yourself to help you identify your destiny.
Consider your education, training and career experience. What subjects did you like in school? This can help identify what you're good at. Maybe you are more vocationally minded and you liked sewing or machine repair; these subjects count as well.
Did you receive any special awards? In my early school days, I received the citizenship pin several times. It shows I have an interest in people. I do that in my writing, life coaching and as a nurse. I was also awarded with a tiny gold pin for reading. To this day, I enjoy reading and writing.
Look at what else you may have done or achieved as a child? Did you play an instrument, have a hobby or sell something? What was your childhood play like? I imagined I was a nurse, a mother or a teacher. Each of those roles have played out in my life.
Growing up, what did you enjoy? My oldest son installed my dishwasher when he was 14 years old. He is now a plumber. He is very mechanical and used to watch my father fix cars. That showed what one of his interests were.
What are you good at, and what motivates you today? Evaluate your normal activities. Look at your personal interests. I enjoyed Bible study since I was a young girl. Now I enjoy sharing that interest with others as a Bible teacher.
What excites or energizes you? Consider your life's experiences. There is no one just like you. You can use some of the things you experienced to identify a career or cause you'd like support. Maybe you have been through something you can use to help others.
Look at your characteristics and what others say about you. Are you quick-witted, encouraging, attractive, good with people; your purpose could be discovered in ways to use these characteristics.
There are so many questions you can pose to yourself to set you in your destiny. Keep asking God to direct you. Discovering your purpose can help you make better choices for your daily activities and life's enjoyment.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Annettee can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.