All of the answers are out there...

All of the answers are out there…

How do we lead a more meaningful life? A good question to ponder. If you haven’t figured it out completely you’re in good company. We’ve been working our way through the book of Acts in the Bible and talking a lot about goals and the journey itself in our Disciple Group. I shared my thoughts on developing a personal mission statement a couple of weeks ago here at I’m Just Thinkin’. This topic is mondo.  Without being too wordy I wanted to share with you today what I feel are the 4 necessities to leading a more meaningful life:

  • Identify with your maker. We are left with a gaping hole in our heart and in our soul without identifying with a greater power. I don’t think you’ll find the meaning of life without identifying with your maker. The script for the bigger picture has already been written… where will you be at the end of the story?
  • Develop a giving spirit. For it is in giving that we receive. It’s about people and not about the stuff. Zig put it this way: “If we don’t feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we’d be happy with more?” Yep, it’s all about giving. If you find joy in the shopping mall there is a greater feeling that lasts in your heart, it’s found in helping other people.
  • Make time for the most important priorities. Our world is more fast paced than ever, and the stream of information can sometimes be overwhelming. Don’t spend time on senseless controversy. I bypass much of the daily news for just that reason. In many respects, the journey is the goal, in this life. We can make the most of it by focusing on our most important priorities.
  • Forgive. Forgiving feels like we’re folding our hand at times. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28. Need help getting this part done? Here’s a forgiveness prayer. It works!

There have been excellent books written on leading a more meaningful life, and on these 4 necessities individually. This is a brief blog post, with some links to some other blog posts that I’ve shared. All good stuff, if you want to dig in deeper. I’m not planning a book of my own on this, just something that God has laid on my heart to think about, to try to wrap my arms around, and to share here today.

What do you feel are the necessities to leading a more meaningful life?

Do you believe in the concept that “the journey is the goal,” in this life?