What are you doing?

Recently, a family member asked me, “So, how did we get here?”

That question can be answered any number of ways…philosophically, scientifically, religiously, and more. And, you could probably ask five random people that same question and receive five different answers.

However, I don’t believe that is the most important question. I believe the more relevant question is, “Realizing that you are here, what are you going to do?”

Yesterday, I was driving in my car and listening to a motivational cd featuring John Maxwell, a well-known speaker, pastor, and author whose teachings focus on leadership. John was talking about living a purpose-driven life. He stated that, more than anything, people want to feel like they matter, that they made a difference in the lives of others. John said that if you live with intention, meaning that you act with purpose and meaning today, instead of tomorrow or next week, you will find you are making a difference in the lives of others now, and should you continue to live with intention, in time you will realize you are living a life of purpose and meaning.

Is he right? I believe so. I believe we all want to be loved, to be respected, to be listened to, to be healthy, to be happy, and to feel our life has meaning and purpose.

Yet, it’s not enough to desire all the things I just mentioned, for desiring doesn’t make it so. We cannot expect to obtain or attract that which we lack within ourselves. Yet, this is exactly what the ego does. The ego often desires much while wanting to make little to no effort. Therefore it is imperative you begin to act in accordance with that which you desire.

You must make efforts.

To be loved, you must be loving. To gain respect, you must be respectful. To be heard, you must listen to others. To be healthy, you must make healthy choices. To be happy, make others happy. To master a skill, you must practice diligently. To be successful, you must work hard.

In other words…what you do—your efforts—determines what you attract and attain, and ultimately, who you become.

I don’t know how we got here. But, I do know that my time here is limited, that not a single day should be taken for granted.

And to paraphrase John Maxwell, don’t wait until tomorrow or the next day to live fully. Begin now. Live today with intention and purpose.

Peace and blessings,

 

 

P.S. I’d love to know what you think. Please hit the like button to share this and leave me a comment or question below. I personally respond to all of them.