Do you wonder about the purpose of your life? I do. As a child, I learned in the catechism of my religion that my purpose was to “know, love and serve God, in this world and the next.” Wow! Quite a challenge for a six-year old to take on. What does this really mean?

I have come to understand that the “know” part of this answer is the daily work that I do in building a relationship with God. The partnership that has come to exist between me and Highest Power that exists. It’s not an equal partnership. God is much more powerful than I could ever imagine. However, I have learned to bring all my questions, worries and challenges to God and plead for answers, calm and assistance.

I trust that I will get my request. And I do, although not always in the form that I had anticipated. To my way of thinking, this is great! In the past, I have been known to spend a lot of time trying to make everything just right and keeping my power close. As my relationship with God has grown and matured, I have come to understand that trusting in the wisdom of the Lord is preferable to insisting on my way. It’s a “Thy will not mine be done” philosophy.

With the maturation of this relationship love has grown and become an integral part of my daily life. I express my gratitude and love throughout the day. I try to be in regular contact with God using the Holy Spirit as the messenger.

With knowledge and love, the willingness to serve God becomes a natural progression. This service takes many forms. It is a big responsibility to become the hands of God. I wish that I could tell you that I do this perfectly. I cannot.

One of the best bits of knowledge that I have obtained from working on my relationship with God is the fact that I cannot get it right all the time. I make mistakes. I’m grumpy. I am not always kind. However, and most importantly, through everything God knows me intimately and loves me unconditionally. Just as He loves you!

I accept this purpose. I accept the challenge inherent in this purpose. Again and again and again.

Terri