January 22, 2015

Purpose

I don't usually jump on the word bandwagon.
Actually, I've never done it before now.

I don't expect it to become a new tradition, either.
But, these last few weeks, the first few of this year and the last few of the last,
 some things have been rattling around in my brain and in my heart.
These reflections have been revolving around the idea of purpose.

The purpose of life.  Mine, in particular.


It's so easy to fall into the false notion that life is pointless.
Especially for the stay-at-home Mum who has children that
are growing up way too quickly and seemingly need less and less of her.
Perhaps (maybe especially) since one of those has grown up and gone on ahead.

But, is it really pointless?  Or, are these thoughts filled with lies?

Lies.  That's exactly what they are.
And, we are not to fill our minds with these sorts of thoughts.
But, rather, we are to fill our hearts and minds with truth.
What does God's Word say to our hearts on such weighty things as these?
What is the purpose of all of life?  Of my life?

Well.  That's a big question, isn't it?


The Shorter Catechism sums it up nicely with question number one.
Q:  What is the chief end of man (woman could be substituted here)?
A:  Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God."  I Corinthians 10:31

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart,
and my portion forever."  Psalm 73:25-26

So, there is purpose in every single thing we do and say if it is done in light of the
eternal weight of it all.  If it is done for the Lord.  According to His Word.
And, that is where purpose meets real life.  What gives purpose.  Who gives purpose.

The reason for it all.

May the Lord help us to follow Him wherever He leads
and do all that He calls us to with all our strength.  With purpose.
At the end of the day, all that matters is this.  Truly.
May we live like it is so.  Always and forever.

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21
May the Lord make this to be true of me.
In His strength.  By His grace.  For His glory alone.

Many Blessings, Camille

16 comments:

Patty said...

An age old pondering for sure. I have been down this road myself on occasion. There are certainly times that it all seems vain - and then I remember and I am grateful to have lived, to have laughed, and to have loved - even for this time. Though life has held sorrow, I am grateful for the beautiful memories with family, friends, and most certainly to have walked most of it with Jesus. He has made all the difference. (To ponder - Ephesians 2 - that in the ages to come and Isaiah 45 especially verse 19 - "I have not said to Jacob's descendents, 'Seek me in vain'.")

Heather@Cultivated Lives said...

Love this. So encouraged, as always, by your words...

Stephanie said...

A beautiful post and a perfect word, Camille. Yes, there is purpose in all that we do.

Thank you so much for sharing this wisdom with us. Hugs to you!

Debbie Harris said...

You have given us much to ponder on here, dear Camille.
Excellent scripture verses as well.
I have found myself gathering thoughts and taking them to the Lord on this very thing.
I'm trying to put my finger on just what it is that brings me to this place and asking God for the answer.

I praise the Lord for my salvation through Christ and Him alone.
I praise Him for the new life He has graced me with and the desire of my heart is to glorify Him with all that I think, say and do.
I look to Him daily for His directing of my path, but that is where I find questions in my mind. It hasn't always been that way for me, just recently with so many changes that have taken place.
"Nothing stays the same" has become my motto and changes will come, it's just...
Right now, the Lord has me in a quiet place, and for that I am thankful, because when it is quiet it's easier to hear that still small voice of God.

Thank you, Camille, for this inspiring and much needed reminder in my life.

You are a blessing to my heart.

Joy!
Debbie

Wanting What I Have said...

Hello, sweet friend! I just caught up on your posts...I'm so thankful Christmas was-I'm not sure of a proper word-good hard? I'm just thankful to hear about the peace in your hearts. And your oatmeal recipe looks amazing. I can't wait to try it with my crew. I can't get over how grown Emma is!!! A young lady! It's good to catch up via the blog. Much love to you and all of yours!!! xoxo

Maryann said...

Our roles may look different as our families grow and as we age but we still have purposeI and I believe as you do that our purpose this side of heaven is to glorify Him with our lives. That will always be true no matter what season of life we may find ourself in.
Blessings to you friend

Camille said...

Dear Patty ~ Thank you for your kind words my friend. Yes, truly there is purpose in all we do when we are the Lord's. Hugs to you. :)

Dear Heather ~ So glad you are encouraged here my friend. You bless my heart as well. Hugs. :)

Dear Stephanie ~ Awww...thank you for your sweet encouragement. Hugs to you. :)

Dear Debbie ~ I find I need reminding so often. What a blessing it is to have God's Word for that much needed encouragement. You are a blessing to me as well. Hugs. :)

Dear Jennifer ~ SO lovely to see you here my sweet friend. I have missed you so much...but, it's all for a wonderful reason!! Hugs to you all. :)

Dear Maryann ~ I love the picture of seasons my friend...such a beautiful thing to ponder. Yes, no matter what season we are in...it all matters. Hugs! :)

With Love,
Camille



Jennifer said...

Glad I made it over here, I love your word. I have done this for many years, but this year I am leaving it up to God to decide.

This year my word is discernment. This year I will just listen and follow his lead.

Finding your post here I think is a part of that process!

Camille said...

Welcome Jennifer ~ So glad you stopped by! Discernment is a wonderful word…how crucial in this day and age when there are so many voices. May He guide you continually according to His ways. Many Blessings, Camille

Esther said...

Love, love, love this post. Thanks Camille! You are such an encouragement to me! I often think about these things as well. Thank you for taking the time to share with us!

Katy said...

Amen!!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful truth! :)

Camille said...

Dear Esther ~ You encourage me my friend…truly. Hugs to you! :)

Dear Katy ~ So thankful for your friendship. Hugs. :)

With Love,
Camille

Unknown said...

Yes! I want to be a reflection and conduit of my God's glory so that He may touch the lives of the people I am with each and every day!

Camille said...

Dear Jenny ~ This post makes me think of your recent post on a similar topic. What a blessing it is to belong to our Great God! Hugs to you! Camille

Lisa said...

Oh, I love this. You have such beautiful heart my friend. Grateful for your encouragement and words. xoxo!

Camille said...

Dear Lisa ~ I am thankful for YOU! Love, Camille XO