Birthdays and Reflections

Happy Thanksgiving - a day we set aside to celebrate what we generally take for granted. I have the added privilege of celebrating the life of someone on thanksgiving who has come to mean a lot to me. My wife's birthday is today, she is doing my daughter's laundry. I said to her, "hey, this is your birthday, you don't have to do laundry," thinking that she should be reading a magazine or something. However, her response to me was, "I won't feel right if the laundry is not finished." In reflection, it is that attitude of responsibility to our home, family and relationship that has really added to the glue of my love for her. There are so many things that she does daily, which I recognize when they are not done, but probably take for granted when they are done. Isn't that typical? Anyway, thanks Carol, I love you. Happy birthday!
Last week my father also had a birthday. He turned 80 this year. I can remember when 80 meant, in my mind, confined to bed or chair; physically not able to benefit the family, but relied upon for insight and historical memories. Not so with my father, he has spent the past few months re-building our kitchen cupboards and building a bathroom vanity for us, along with other tasks. Thanks dad!
What makes the difference? Health to be sure, but also an attitude of purpose. Each morning, he gets up with a purpose, the day ahead is somewhat planned, goals set. To be unhealthy is not an option, that would only get in the way. One of the things my father may be indirectly teaching me is that purpose is a primary motivator in order to function in life. As part of my role at our church, it is my task to walk through a process with individuals which helps them see who God has designed them to be. Part of that journey requires listening to your personal heartbeat. I don't mean this in the sense of what your doctor might do, but in an Emotional and Spiritual sense. For instance, in what aspects of life to you discover your heart being passionate about life's issues? What do you love to do? Who do you love to do it for? I don't mean a romantic gesture for your special heart throb, but an activity you long to do or be able to do for the community and world you live in. Its the type of stuff that makes people volunteer for the cancer society, or MS research or foster children or care for the elderly. If you are looking for your mission or purpose in life, begin to journal the cry of your heart. Keep a note book handy and write down each occasion when you have heard or witnessed something which made you want to be able to take action to correct the situation. See if there's a pattern. Your heart is giving you a message. If you listen to it, it may inspire you to live another day, because you can't afford to miss the opportunity to accomplish the mission which each day provides.