To live our true purpose and truly enjoy our lives, we must relinquish Tip-of-the-Iceberg/Second-Hand Living and venture into the depths. This is what Jesus did and what he taught his first disciples. (See Luke 5:3-11)
. . . Jesus . . . told Simon: “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Teacher, we’ve worked all night but haven’t caught anything. Yet, if you say so, we’ll let down the nets.” When they did, they caught so many fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to help them. Then, they filled both boats, which began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees, amazed at the amount of fish. James and John, Simon’s partners, also were amazed. Then Jesus said: “Do not fear; from now on you will catch people [i.e., serve others].” When they brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Truly, Simon Peter, James and John witnessed the power within the depths. As these former fishermen worked with Jesus, as both students and teachers, they discovered true abundance in their purpose. Not only did they have literal food to nourish themselves and others, but spiritual food as well.
The same is true for us. When we tune into God, cast our nets wide in the depths, and listen to our own still, small voice, we’re free to live our purpose. We discover that this purpose nourishes us – and others also. Even if we haven’t discovered our exact purpose yet, we can remain faithful. We can hear our still, small voice, calling us to a new course or greater depths.
These practical steps make navigating the depths easier:
- Pray and meditate in silence daily.
- Journal, doodle or sketch your random feelings and thoughts. When you do, ask yourself: “What treasures am I seeking in the depths?” Then be still and listen to what you discover.
- Connect with one trusted individual, specifically trained to listen to you, so you can hear yourself.
- Consider which people, living and/or deceased, you most admire. When you consider how they live(d) their life purpose, note how their journey is inspiring yours.
- Notice the ebb and flow of your energy during the day, noting which things you do that “should” be done, especially if they drain you and keep you in the shallows.
- Notice when you watch the clock and when you lose all sense of time, having fun, absorbed in joy. When we’re absorbed in joy, we’re either living our purpose or we’re very close to it.
- Notice what tugs at your heart strings and brings you to tears. That’s your heart opening, so your still, small voice can speak. Be still and listen.
Remember: All the faith we need to live our purpose and love our lives is already within us. In the depths, we feel it fully. Then we know that wherever and however we are, God is.
© 2016 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks. All rights reserved.
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