"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us-- whatever we ask-- we know that we have what we asked of him."
I John 5:14-15

It is easy to become frustrated when we are restless, rather than recognizing this can be an indication that we are to move on with our lives, or that we are to find new endeavors. We "fight" this feeling, rather than embracing it for what it is. You may find you are at a time in your life where you arent satisfied with where you are, but you dont know what to do. Why not turn that frustration into a search for a dream that can give your life meaning and joy?

Connecting Purpose and Passion
Dreams connected to your life purpose will be in alignment with who you really are. You wont find yourself asking, "Isnt there more to life than this?" Your activities will have passion behind them--- something that may be lacking in your activities and work right now. It is interesting to hear from some men who have included passion in their work!

Andrew Harrison, in an article entitled The Seeker, published in Worthwhile Magazine, talked about his search to find a sense of purpose. He resigned from a sales job that paid him well. His boss tried to talk him out of it; his friends didnt understand his vision; his parents were confused; his "salesman brother and MBA sister" had their concerns and doubts. (I might add these were probably all well meaning people, but they were trying to decide what was best for Andrew. And, they didnt have to live his life, or answer for it.) However, Andrew wanted to take action! He had felt the restlessness that we have talked about.

Andrew decided to "talk with as many people as I could about their career path, life experiences, and what advice theyd have for people who were searching like me. I would seek out people who liked what they did or worked in a field that interested me. I would become a seeker." He embarked on a cross-country life journey. "It was a sad morning as I left so many people behind, but once I hit the open road my energy was at an all time high. I was back! I felt like an explorer going into uncharted waters.

One person Andrew talked with was a man who is a consultant/branding expert. This man commented, "The best class I ever took at Harvard Business School was Self-assessment and Career Development, figuring out what motivates me and what doesnt. Andrew decided, "if Harvard is teaching their students how to find passion, there must be something to it."

What is the bottom line in Andrews adventure? He is very content doing writing, speaking, and chronicling his travels. He feels strongly that people need to find their passion, to learn how others have done it, and to know that it is attainable.

Finding Meaningful "Work"
Where does this leave you? Can you not only find your God-given heart passions, but find the dream that could fulfill them? God has placed these passions within you to fulfill His purposes for your life. That is what is especially exciting.

What are some things you could do? Taking an example from Andrew, you could:

• make sure you are following your hearts path; make passion the barometer to assess your life;
• talk with others who may be helpful, but always sift their advice/suggestions to make sure it resonates within you; dont look to external influences to make your decision;
• decide some action steps you could take to get yourself off dead center, even if they are baby steps; Do something!
• create your own passion opportunities;
• have patience, and realize there will probably be some sacrifices you will have to make;

Stedman Graham, (sometimes referred to as "Oprah Winfreys boyfriend" by the media, but definitely a dynamic person in his own right), states: "The first step is centered around lovewhat you love to do, what you are passionate about, what is your strength." He understands that when your talents and passions match, you will be richly rewarded. If you havent yet discovered what can accomplish that for you, start to take that journey of discovery today.

You might start by looking at your deepest heart desires and asking what paths they might suggest. You could make a list of desires in one column, separating out the stronger ones from the lesser ones, and "heart opportunities" in another column. Look for the desires and opportunity/activity that "wont let go." When you leave those desires, you lose your interest. When you return to them, your motivation returns.

Following New Paths
Be careful not to let logic and excuses get in the way. This could mean allowing yourself to be limited by your present circumstances or experience. (I would never have written two books if I had followed logic alone, mainly because I had never done that before.) You may be being led into uncharted waters. A personal "calling" is a matter of not just doing what you are, but what you are called of God to be. It implies going forward in faith to become that person.

Bring your seed desires to God. Ask that they be watered and grow in accordance with His will. Remember, a God-given dream will always be bigger than you are, to ensure a dependency on God. This also ensures that when fulfillment comes, you will know that it came from somewhere beyond yourself.

Happy dream journey,

Judy Peterson

Copyright 2006 - Judy Peterson. All Rights Reserved.