Sunday Awe
This week, we begin a new seasonal theme, transitioning from “Winter: Beginnings and Contemplation” to “Spring: Renewal and Growth.”
If the universe is the result of God’s intentionality, that we are created in God’s image and that our life comes from God, then there must be a purpose to our life and meaning behind our existence. Part of our work as human beings is to discern that purpose and live our lives accordingly.
We can find purpose behind what Jesus said was the greatest commandment of all. Quoting the Torah, he said: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Mathew 22:37-39 NIV). This also reflects what the prophet Micah said: “…what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 NIV).
While these sayings may not tell us our specific path in life, they do provide parameters within which we can align our lives. These parameters—love, justice, mercy, humility and Divine communion—represent the deepest God-given values. All that is good and meaningful is derived from these values and can be expressed beautifully in countless ways through the lives we lead.
When our lives align with our deepest values, there is a sense of flow—an ease that arises not from the absence of struggle, but from the assurance that we are walking the path we are meant to traverse. In this alignment, we find purpose. Purpose is not something we create; it is something we uncover, woven into the fabric of our being, waiting to be lived.
Finding purpose begins with awareness. Too often, we live according to external expectations shaped by the voices of our parents, our culture and our religion, rather than the quiet voice of truth within us. However, when we pause, listen, and attune ourselves to the deeper currents of life, we start to recognize what truly calls us. What brings us alive? What stirs our hearts? What work, relationships, or pursuits feel like an expression of who we really are? These are clues pointing us toward our purpose.
To align with purpose is to move beyond fear and into trust. Spirit does not call us to a life of emptiness or aimless wandering; rather it invites us into a meaningful journey. This does not mean that purpose is always clear or easy. At times, we may feel lost or uncertain. Alignment is not about knowing every step in advance; it is about moving forward with faith, trusting that as we act in harmony with our deepest truths, the way will unfold before us.
Living in alignment also means embracing service and connection. Purpose is never solely about personal fulfillment; it is about contributing to the greater whole. When we live authentically, we inspire others to do the same. When we share our gifts, we become part of something larger than ourselves.
Ultimately, a life of purpose is a life of integrity—where who we are, what we believe, and how we live are in harmony. It is a life where we listen to the Divine whisper within us, follow where it leads, and trust that in doing so, we are exactly where we are meant to be.
