In 'Resolved 13 Resolutions for LIFE', Orrin Woodward says, “I know that when my potential, passions, and profits intersect, my purpose is revealed.” The point that Orrin begins his book with, “Purpose”, shouldn’t surprise any of us as all the other chapters will be fueled by the first one.
How many of us have witnessed an aimless, wondering society? Sitting with a couple of new leaders this morning over breakfast, I was discussing the concept that many people today are too busy to pursue their purpose. Jill spoke up, ”Many people don’t even know they are too busy because that is what they have been taught to do.” Orrin sites Victor Frankl’s book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning” in ‘Resolved’. Frankl says, “ We cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it.” Here are some points that Frankl makes:
- A person can get used to anything. No matter how punishing the situation, the human Spirit can survive and reign triumphantly.”
- The horror of the concentration camps was not Soul – destroying for everyone but to some was Soul – awakening.
- Humor was actually in evidence in the concentration camps because it allowed those who were imprisoned to step away for a moment.
- Curiosity allowed people to separate their minds and become more observers than victims.
- Appreciation increased. Just watching a beautiful bird on a fence was a moving experience.
- Generosity was appreciated as when some people gave away their last piece of bread to someone who needed it more.
- Frankl recognized that medical professionals did not know everything. There was surprise that the human body could withstand so much.
- He found that there where blessings found in any situation.
- He learned not to judge people, as there were good prisoners and bad.
- Frankl learned a lot about love. He discovered that love goes far beyond the physical person of the beloved.
- Mostly, he learned that there was meaning in suffering. Suffering is part of all of our lives and we need to learn and grow and find purpose in it all.
Surrounding yourself with a community of people who believe in destiny and purpose is the first step in detecting your own. Once you detect your destiny you can begin to grow toward your purpose, eventually treating your priorities like a “Big Rock” as it is said. Those big rocks go first. How many of us will get greater satisfaction out of LIFE when we align our priorities with our purpose? God Bless, George Guzzardo
