When young, we spend a lot of time thinking about what kind of career we might have and what goals we might achieve. It is often not until we get older that we start asking ourselves questions like: Is this all there is? What is the point of everything I’m doing? Why am I really here? What we are seeking is more than a career or a lifestyle; we are searching for purpose.

I recently moved across the country; as such, I have the opportunity to chart a new path from scratch. Part of that process has been praying about what God would have me do with my new life in my new surroundings. I am not just in a new place geographically; I am also in a new stage of life as an empty nester. My child is grown up now, and my prime time of teaching her about God’s love is over – it is up to her to experience that without mom and dad by her side every day. So now what?

As I unpacked my office boxes today, I ran across a tiny card deck I bought years ago–a companion to the book The Purpose Driven Life. I saw there was a card for each of 40 days. I looked at Day 1, and it said “It’s not about me.” On the other side of the card was a Bible verse: “…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” – Colossians 1:16B (MSG)

So today, I have rephrased my question from, “What is my purpose here in this place?” to “God, what is your purpose for me in this place?” I am reminded of Jesus’ assurance that when I stay focused on God, seeking to join Him in what He is doing, then all the other things in my life will come together as well.

Are you seeking your purpose in life’s daily pleasures or earthly treasures that will pass away, or are you focused on what your purpose is in Christ and in His eternal kingdom?

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things that be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

“We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels – everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” – Colossians 1:15-16 (MSG)

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – I John 2:17 (NIV)