where purpose might lead...

This month, I've been exploring Purpose as a theme...A broad and far-reaching one, that's for sure! And one that can be applied to our own individual lives and to the communities we are part of. It seems like we are perpetually on a quest to find our purpose in life. Or perhaps it's to remember what it is, or to realize it has changed into something new.

In gathering material for her book on finding one’s spiritual life, Lisa Langford Heron discovered common ground across an incredibly wide variety of faith traditions and beliefs. She wrote: “I have discovered that a basic yearning for spiritual meaning in our lives unites us. We all seek to give meaning to our lives, feel a sense of purpose, and understand our connection to the world around us.” Yes. This is the common ground where we can meet each other and anyone we come in contact with. We have a basic, even subconscious need to know that our lives have meaning. There is a need to know that our presence is having an impact, is making a positive difference in the world. This is something we share, not only within our community but across faith traditions and beliefs. I find this comforting to remember. That when I am struggling to remember what my purpose is, I know I’m not alone. We aren’t alone. Human beings have always sought ways of giving meaning to their lives. And they would often need a community to come home to in order to have a place to share what they discovered.

Helen Keller wrote that “Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Communities of faith do have a worthy purpose. In helping to create an environment where each of us can bring all of who we are, or as much of ourselves as we can on a given day, we are helping to create a world that is more loving, more responsible, more open. This is good and sacred work. Thank you for being part of creating such a community.

Blessings,
Telos