#4 What's Left

So yesterday we talked about letting what’s left bubble up and take further root in your life. I ended on this note of mystery, like there was something that would show up for everyone. And today I actually had my thing, and I think it’s actually the root of all our rising again stories. Let me tell the tale.

So there I was, doing my job as best I could, helping my foreman with a project. He grabbed this tool called an angle grinder and began the task of cutting a hole in the metal framing. Don’t worry, I’m not expecting you to fully understand all of this. All you need to know is that cutting metal produces a lot of sparks. You know those ads for welders and movies with blacksmiths? It looks like that, but ten times the sparks in the air. 

So I sat there and thought to myself “hot dang, this looks like fireworks! I’ve got my own personal fourth of July party! How cool is my life!” And that’s when it hit me: that’s what moves us to get back up. That child-like wonder is what ought to move us forward. When the lust for power, the greed for status, fame, and other evil desires get stripped from the equation, that’s what we should be left with. 

We ask kids all the time what they want to be when they grow up. I don’t think it’s just because we want them to start thinking about their careers, but because we want to see what fills them with wonder. Regardless of what we are really asking, what they are responding with is what fills them with wonder. So when a kid tells you what they want to be, they’re telling you what’s exciting to them. And though they won’t all chase those dreams as they get older, a certain part of them should continue to answer life’s directional questions with that same child-like wonder. 

But I don’t think this should just apply to the question of jobs. I think we should learn to seek that excitement wherever we go in our lives. Whether it’s our jobs, our friendships, our cars or clothes, we should always be thinking to ourselves “wow, I get to live this life!” Put that little kid in the driver’s seat and give them a tour of the life you’re living. And that feeling of dazzled amazement will be your new fuel. And more and more you’ll have moments where you stop and say “yep, that’s why we do it!” Your payoff awaits, you simply need to be open to it!

So if you’re here struggling with a decision, unsure of where to go next, paint the scene of the last time you were inspired by something. No, it doesn’t mean that’s where your purpose lies. You’re just opening yourself up to be inspired. Listen to music, find a motivational speech, go for a walk or go to a concert. Personally, I find driving around the city at night to be mesmerizing. Something about the bright lights against the dark sky has always dazzled my spirit. Whatever it is for you, get in touch with it so that you’re there and receptive to it when you need that extra guidance. And then you’ll find your problems falling into place. 

I’m not saying that life will suddenly be peachy, but you will find your purpose. And purpose is often nothing more than the thing that you are willing to shed some blood to keep. It makes you want to stand up in the creek and deny the rushing current as it tries to pull you downstream. You’ll come to a day when an easier path will tempt you, but purpose will tell you to take the harder road. Not because you love pain, but because your purpose is worth it. A deeper love will sprout and it will cause you to shout “no! That’s mine!” 

So cling to wonder and find your purpose. I pray that you begin to find excitement and that child-like wonder inside of yourself. I pray that inspiration finds you and welcomes you home like a long-lost son. And I pray with all my heart that you find your way home to the Father’s arms. He can guide you there far better than I can. And if He can help me, I have no doubt He can help you!

Until next time

May Peace be your Guide.