Friday, March 03, 2017

Five Minute Friday: PURPOSE



Today I'm linking up with Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. This week's word is PURPOSE.

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I know there are many people who search for years -- a lifetime, even -- to find their purpose. Why did God put them on this earth? What is their calling? How can they find out what they are really meant to do?

When I get up in the morning, I do not need to look far to find a purpose. Sometimes, one of my purposes has crawled into bed beside me and is laughing when I open my eyes.

My purpose is to be a mom to two kids. At the moment, two teens. They are both on the autism spectrum and have some significant challenges -- yet they are as different from one another as night is from day. Allison (18) is quiet, introverted, a gifted writer and thinker. Jonathan (14) is loud, smiley, and snuggly, and still loves Barney and the Wiggles.

I don't know what the future holds for them. Then again, I don't know what the future holds for me or my husband. That's in God's hands. Right now, my purpose is to be there for my kids, day by day. It's difficult at times -- but it's also kind of simple. Supporting them is the priority. What other people think, what other parents are doing, what other kids their age can do or are doing: none of that matters. 

My purpose is not out there somewhere; it's right here. Today I pray for God's strength to fulfill it, and to keep fulfilling it for as long as He is giving it to me.

photo by Michelle Vandermeer, June 2014


14 comments:

  1. Amen! Our purpose is given by God, not my man.
    May you have a blessed day with your teens!

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    1. Thanks, Carol - I appreciate your stopping by to read this.

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  2. Love this - my purpose is not out there somewhere, it's right here. Your kids are incredibly fortunate to have you for a mom! God has given you such an important purpose!

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement, Annie. So nice to have you here today! FMF is a great community.

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  3. Beautiful, Jeannie. Yes, God has a way of placing our purpose right in front of us. Your kids look like they are beautiful on the inside and the outside. I agree with Annie. They are fortunate to have you for their mother. Thank you for sharing a piece of your story, Jeannie!

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    1. And thanks so much for reading, Jeanne. I'm glad to be getting to know you through the FMF community this year.

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  4. Good reminder: "My purpose is not out there somewhere; it's right here." Your neighbor #22 at this week's #fmf

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by to read and comment, Sarah.

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  5. So true!! The mom I am isn't the mom I thought I'd be -- special needs kids have a way of changing your purpose -- but it's the mom I'm *supposed* to be.

    Glad to be your FMF neighbor!

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    1. Same here, Meg. I saw your kids on your blog: they are so beautiful. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment, and hope to "see" you on another Five Minute Friday!

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  6. I love how clear you are on your beautiful purpose. It's really inspiring to me to look at my kids as part of my purpose and calling to live them like Christ. Thanks, friend!

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    1. So nice to have you here again, Christina - thanks for reading and commenting.

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  7. "When I get up in the morning, I do not need to look far to find a purpose."
    Wow Jeannie! I have to agree, your beautiful teens are so blessed to have you and you they! Two very different blessings. I just love this. God has placed your purpose right in front of you.

    I think that is something so very important for us to remember in this where we all are. We may be on the road to another purpose at a later time, but there is purpose where we are right now.
    Have a beautiful week!

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    1. Absolutely right, Kelly - maybe just knowing my purpose for today is enough. Thanks for your comment.

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