Big Thoughts, Necessary Thoughts
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
We are all running 90 miles an hour, trying to stay ahead of work demands, remaining one step ahead of our kids, caring for our parents, and trying not to ignore our spouses. Yet, if that is all life is, at the end of 40 or 50 years, we hit retirement, and our life seems shallow, and we do not know what to do with our remaining time. As people of faith, God calls us to consider the more significant life questions that bring meaning to our daily grind.
When I am being pulled in three different directions and struggling to keep up, I find comfort in remembering that I made the decisions that placed me in this moment and affirming why this moment is valuable. Even mundane activities can provide satisfaction when we recognize we are accomplishing them to honor God.
Discouragement, resentment, and despair occur when we lose sight of life’s meaning. Returning to life’s big picture is necessary to regain perspective, harness our energy, and restore our joy. Start with the vastest questions and work to the more focused ones. Remember, all things begin with God. So, let’s start with questions that might speak to our hearts.
First, “What does God desire from my life?” Second, “At this point in my life, what steps do I need to take to follow God’s desire?” Third, “How can I refocus my daily obligations in such a way that they align with my life’s divine meaning?” Fourth, “Why am I worthy of God’s attention and care?” Fifth, “What activities can I cancel or negotiate with family so there is room in life for faith?” While these questions are just the beginning, they guide us in our intentional walk with God.
