I remember one of my children watching a show called Handy Manny.  Manny was a handyman who carried a toolbox full of talking tools: a hammer, a tape measure, a screw driver, etc.  Oh, I forgot to tell you, this was a children’s cartoon.  Anyway, each of Manny’s tools had a particular purpose and was called on at a specific time to fix something.  Of course, the tool that saved the day was celebrated.  And, no one in the toolbox was egotistical or insisted on being used for every job.  It served as a great parable.

On a deeper level, the show was about purpose and worth.  Like tools in a toolbox, we each have purpose.  Not only that, we have an inner drive to discover that purpose.  Humanly speaking, we all have particular talents and passions that typically coincide with one another.  Spiritually speaking, Christians have been given spiritual gifts that enhance those passions and talents in a supernatural way.  No, I’m not talking about flying, laser eyes, or the ability to teleport.  I’m talking about work that is blessed and able to accomplish more than is just humanly possible.

All that being said, I often wonder if I am fulfilling my purpose.  Haven’t you ever asked yourself, “What is my purpose?”  I know I have…on many occasions.  And, it seems, just as I get it all figured out, doubts slither into my mind and make me falter.  “Am I worthy?”  “Am I good enough?”  “Isn’t there someone better to do this?”  “What if I fail?”  They’re good questions, but if all I listen to are the questions and doubts, I’ll never fulfill my purpose.

Life is full of wise sayings dealing with this predicament.  “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take,” “Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction” – Harry Truman, “I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed” – Robert Schuller, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill, and “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time” – Zig Ziglar.  Wonderful sayings.  Inspiring sayings.

The key to success are basic.  Know who you are…better if you know whose you are (God’s).  Know what passion burns within your heart.  Know what you do well and what you don’t.  Strengths are just as important as weaknesses to success.  Too many people try to do what they are not gifted for.  Too many people don’t pursue their passions and giftedness.  Find where X marks the spot, the intersection of your passions, your talents and your spiritual gifts.  Do that and you will find life’s treasure.  Oh, and one more tip:  do things for others instead of just yourself.  You’ll find deeper meaning, greater purpose and more joy in doing so.

Have a great day and make the world a better place.

Mitchell