Sunday's Message: I Have Decided To Find My Purpose
Can you talk about a message that fits our mission more perfectly than this one? I don't think so! Last Sunday was not entirely about finding our purpose. It was also about leading others to their purpose, not by force but by leading by example, by inviting them in, by loving them. Loving a stranger? Sounds a little crazy, I know.
One of the core values we teach the children in HK (Highlands Kids) is to love people. God loves all his children. The people who are mean to us. The people we don't know. Our neighbors, family, friends. Your elders. Your peers. You get the picture. One of our missions at Highlands, and especially here at Dream On Youth, is to "help everyone find their dream." It gives us something to fight, strive, and live for. I'm not saying dictating what someone's dream is either. You have to feel this magnetic pull towards it. You cannot fully explain it to others, but you know it's in your heart. A lot of the Dream On Youth family knows what I'm talking about, and maybe you don't. But guess what? That's okay! That's why we're here. To help you live your life full of joy, love, and growth!
Where there is no vision, the people perish... (Proverbs 29:18)
Pastor Chris told us this story that another pastor had shared. One about that involved a greyhound racetrack. Now before you get offended, trust me, you'll want to read this. Everyone knows that there is a mechanical rabbit around the greyhound races that goes around the inside of the track, on that bar of the fence, for the dogs to chase, right? Well, apparently, at one of the races, the bunny malfunctioned. Okay, more like exploded. Some dogs just sat down. Some dogs were so confused they didn't know what to do. Some dogs howled at the audience constantly, but not a single greyhound finished that race. Why? Because there was no chazown or vision.
Hebrew: Chazown (khaw-zone')
A dream, revelation, or vision.
Well, that's how people are structured. Think about it. When we have no end goal, no award to win, nothing in sight, what happens? We procrastinate. We don't try our best. We give up. We just quit. Our mission is to find our purpose, your purpose now to prevent that from happening again. We want us all to thrive in this world. We want us all to feel like we're going somewhere and making a difference. We want true happiness and purpose to come back into your life. But what does vision really bring into this world for us?
A vision for life will bring focus. "Add fuel to the fire, chase a dream." Doesn't that sound amazing? To ignite something in your own soul or someone else's. To want to create something beautiful with your life.
A vision for life will bring endurance. I don't know about you, but I am like the multitasking queen when I have a set goal in sight. I will do all the daily things that need to be done while still doing everything in my power to make something happen. Sometimes I look back on my day, and I'm like, "Wow, did I just do all of that?" You'll shock yourself.
A vision for life will bring fulfillment. I know that last one all too well. I have felt like I've been in this weird limbo for years. It was not until I started Dream On Youth (almost two years ago) that a switch flipped in my head. A year later, I started slacking off again, but another switch flipped that summer. I was ready to make some big changes, but I didn't know how to begin. Fast forward to August of last year, and I just went for it. I went for everything. I had no clue what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to change lives. I knew I wanted kids and teens to experience something positive and new. I knew I wanted to leave a legacy. That's when I realized my dreams had changed. I am a major in Animal Science, and while that will continue to be my major, I ultimately know what I want to do with my life. Now the major is so I'll have the degree because it's a dream to get a bachelor's in this field and then go off into wildlife photography. It puts all my passions into one, basically. I'll explain that some other time. I plan on taking business classes and seminars at some point. Why? Because I want to open up offices around the U.S. Yes, offices for Dream On Youth. A headquarters. I want to own a small business. Something I've ultimately have been dreaming about for years (I always wanted my own vet practice), but I never really paid attention to it. It was the common link in all my passions. The prospect of getting an official space for something I truly love. Why didn't I realize that sooner? Stress. People always talking in my ear, and me listening to everyone but myself. The minute I shut everyone else out during my first experience at Church of the Highlands and just talked with God, the fire flared. I knew what was in my heart. I knew what was going to bring me the most joy and what my purpose was. I was put on this earth to change lives, to save them in the best way I know how by being there for someone who feels lost. I have been there. I have hit rock bottom, once in high school and once in college. I can use that to help others. The minute I made everything about optimism with a lot of work ethic, my world changed. The minute I let go and gave everything to Christ, I felt free to be myself. I stopped listening to what everyone else thought was best for me. God knows what is best and what's going to get me there. I am giving it all to him and following the path, he laid out for me. Take it or leave it.
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for...part of the overall
purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Ephesians 1:11 Message)
To Find My Purpose
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:8-18)
Our first job as children of God is to live as children of light. Cydney, what in the world are you talking about? We need to get out of the darkness. Get it away from us. We do not need to give in to things that lead to extreme indulgence. It would be best if you strayed from situations where you would feel guilt and shame because you sinned. Live with your purpose in mind. Be kind to those around you. Be kind to your body, mind, and spirit. Love God. Repent, confess, etc. "Lord, lead me in the way of everlasting." Oh, and always ask yourself this:
1. What am I doing that I should not be doing?
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27)
2. What am I not doing that I should be doing?
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (James 4:17)
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:34 Message)
3. Why not do it today?
Pastor Chris stated that we tend to "exaggerate yesterday and overestimate tomorrow." Amen! I don't know how many times I've made a plan for my future in a few years like a set plan, and I get a "nope, that's out the window" moment. We tend to make big deals over the small stuff too. Such as a test we failed the day before, not making the team, etc. Try harder next time. Get some tips from the teacher or coach. Do everything in your power to make it happen next time if that is your vision! This doesn't just apply to those situations but everything in your life! Seriously, what have you got to lose? No matter if you make a mistake, or stray from the path a bit, or if life throws you a curveball, your dream can still be reached. Our Lord will make sure you reach that end goal. Life is not perfect, we are not perfect, but he gave every one of us a purpose. He intends for all of us to achieve that.
In the words of Pastor Chris, "the last chapter still fits."
Positive vibes only,
Cydney