Vol. 19 No. 10 | March 6, 2017
Over the past several months, I have been doing a lot of thinking, praying, and reflecting on what my new role is, what my ultimate purpose is, here in the Kingdom.
For most of my adult life, my purpose and role have been very clear: to work with and lead local churches. This involved teaching, preaching, counseling, comforting, leading, and mentoring. Five months ago, much of that- how I do it, when I do it, where and with whom- changed significantly.
Since then I have been on a journey of discovery that has focused on answering these questions:
･ What is it that I do best?
･ What is my true passion?
･ How do I now do what I do in this new life setting?
･ Is it time to do something completely new and different?
I have received sound advice and guidance from wise friends and family members (some older and some younger). I have listened. I have prayed. I have journaled. I have read books and articles. I have listened to podcasts, sermons, preachers, teachers, counselors, those who are retired and those still in the workforce.
But one question has emerged that has helped me, more than anything else, get closer to the answers I seek.
What breaks my heart?
This question came to me recently while I was praying. I then came across it again in an article by Brandon Cox, Great Leadership Often Starts with a Broken Heart.
Cox makes a poignant case to support this notion:
“Great leadership often starts with a broken heart.”
After much reflection, I have realized that there are two scenarios that truly break my heart.
First, it breaks my heart when I encounter people who do not know Jesus.
Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
It breaks my heart to see people who know the facts about Jesus, but do not know Him. It breaks my heart to see church leaders who know rules, regulations, and how to keep people in line, but who do not know, really know, Jesus.
Second, it breaks my heart to see children who are sad and alone.
I often see news stories about abandoned animals. These stories are heartbreaking, and I always hope they find their way home. But stories about sad, lonely, abandoned, and abused children, this is something that absolutely breaks my heart.
As I ponder my role in the Kingdom, I realize now what I have known in my heart for decades. My role is to help people really know Jesus and to bring comfort to sad and lonely children in whatever capacity that I can.
I am still working out the details- the how and the where- of how I can best serve in these areas that I now know are my true calling. These details will sort themselves out. But the essential piece, identifying what truly breaks my heart, is the solid foundation I needed on which to build.
Maybe you are at a similar crossroads in your life? Perhaps asking yourself this question will help bring you clarity as well.
What breaks your heart?
When you discover the answer, think of one thing you could do to help change it. And then do it. Even if it seems like the smallest step. Even if it seems like it won’t make a difference. Do it anyway. The details will work themselves out.
I truly believe that when you take the time ask, to listen, and to follow your heart, you will uncover your role, your ultimate purpose here in the Kingdom.
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.