Finding Joy in Living Your Purpose

In the past, I have often juggled a day job while working in various arenas as an independent contractor. I did some modeling, marketing, music, and even taught college for five years. Despite my growing resume, however, I found that a salary job was eluding me. I struggled with feeling secure, as my contracts were often short and I had to live in temporary housing, moving to different cities and states for work.

As I leaned on God for stability, I realized that even at times when things looked good from the outside (when I was driving the right car or living in a nice neighborhood), it was how I felt on the inside that really mattered. About ten years ago, my paradigm started shifting.

I began writing songs with a positive message of hope, songs that told a story and pointed people to God's love. I got certified as a life coach and started my own coaching business. I finally wrote that book that God had put in my heart. After feeling empty and sad for years that I hadn't been able to start a family yet, I was surprised when bursts of joy started overtaking me in my daily life.

Instead of excitement about a new relationship, an achieved goal, or some other external accomplishment, this was a feeling of contentment that I can only attribute to taking steps of faith and fulfilling God's purpose for my life. Although I am only childless by circumstance (since I've been unable to adopt as a single mom), I realized recently that God has been sending young people into my life for years that I could help guide and mentor.

In the book of Isaiah, the Bible encourages a barren woman to sing, "...for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife. (Isaiah 54:1, KJV)." I take comfort in this verse and can see the hand of God moving in my life, even while I wait for His promises to come true for me. I have had the freedom to babysit my friends' children when their schedules were too full, taught hundreds of teenagers through my job as an adjunct professor, and even had a little girl from my church tell me I was like a mother figure to her.

I am grateful that I kept pursuing the dreams He placed in my heart and I know that this is what I was truly created for. I pray that God will reveal His purpose for your life, too, and that you will find joy in the journey as He continues to work through you & your story!