Now that I am growing older and getting limited physically, I am struggling to find what my purpose is. It used to be that I had 5 children to care for and my life was crazy busy. Now that my children have left the home and have lives of their own and are no longer under my care, that purpose has left me. Of course I still try to keep in touch with them and keep up on what they are doing, but their actual care doesn't belong to me. Nor do I have the care of my 5 wonderful grandchildren. In a way, that's very nice, but it has left me feeling a little empty.
With regard to our family, I do still have one important purpose - to care for my husband. Thank goodness for that! I can't imagine the loneliness of living alone should Alan pass on before I do. I hope I never have to find out what that loneliness feels like.
In the gospel of Jesus Christ, we discover that our purpose here on earth is to gain a body, exercise agency, experience consequences, and fulfill our potential. I have been doing that for over 65 years. Isn't that long enough? Am I finished? Obviously not! If I were, I wouldn't still be here on the earth.
Although sometimes I don't feel like my life has much purpose right now, deep down I know that it does. My purpose is to endure to the end...meaning stick with the plan of trying to reach my potential. Only God knows my potential. However, I'm the only one who can get me there. God has placed opportunities for growth (trials) in my path to help me reach my potential. Trials aren't generally something I consider fun, but they are something I consider important for my growth.
I want to pass the test of mortality. As the famous saying goes: "I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it."
Life definitely isn't easy. It is full of trials, problems, disappointments, and struggles. However, life is also full of friendships, joy, accomplishments, and wonderful memories which make life very much worth living. Staying optimistic is the key!
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