I had one of those light bulb moments early this morning.
It
came to me as a single word - Mission.
What does Mission mean?
Webster defines this as: an important goal or purpose that is accompanied by strong conviction; a calling or vocation, or an important task or duty that is assigned, allotted, or self-imposed: or sending or being sent for some duty or purpose.
For a number of years I felt like I had several missions in life. Among those were to be the provider for my family and to
be the man God called me to be, for the protection and nurture of the wife and brood he blessed me with. Another mission was to raise our kids in the "right" way. That mission was a joyous and rewarding endeavor.
A little later in my adult time I had a mission to be a leader among, and with, men of faith. That became a passion that was shared with other like minded guys who were in various stages of their lives. It was also a rewarding and fruitful experience and watch as God blessed and prospered that deepening faith experience.
All the kids are gone now. They are pursuing their own missions now. So, for the most part my fathering mission is pretty much accomplished. My provider mission and role of provider
has changed to being the provider for my wife and myself. The men’s ministry mission waned in recent years, as some of my closest allies and comrades left this
place for a better land.
A discussion began last evening with my bride about the frustration we
feel as believers in that the population at large are very much different than we are. Our society is very much "into themselves" and
searching for happiness in things and events that we personally find no joy or purpose in. We sort of feel out of touch with the mainstream. We want to be and attempt to be relevant
and “part of the crowd” yet we just can’t embrace many of the activities and attitudes that make the
multitudes happy nowadays.
So, as often happens early in the morning, the Holy Spirit
speaks. Not with great detail but with single words like MISSION. In the "mature age" of
our lives I think we need a new mission. We need something that we are jazzed about. We
need to throw ourselves into something that makes a difference in the lives of
other people. And we need to be on the same page as a team for this mission. At this point I have not a clue what that might look like or be?
But the same spirit that injected this new word into my thoughts, will also bring something to us
that will energize our batteries and give us new meaning and purpose. As we allow our spiritual gifts to be employed
openly in the mighty hand of God, there will be purpose and drive and success.
There will also come with that the fulfillment of knowing that what we are about is
something that makes our creator smile.
I’m ready to find my new calling, whatever that might be.
Stay tuned for further mission news!
