My dreams have changed with age. It is hard to recall the early dreams. Much of today is connected to a process that began over twelve years ago.
It was a dramatic period of my life. The company I worked for was in turmoil; earnings were down, we were plagued with an inherently flawed strategy that closed off our future options, and I had no idea if I really liked or was good at what I was doing. I have moved without choice from being an individual performer to being a manager of managers. The transition left me grasping for a sense of purpose and reward. This uncertainty played itself out in every aspect of my life with corresponding turmoil that could have easily been predicted.
In the midst of the storm I was invited to participate in an Outward Bound Invitational. It is hard to fathom how much these five days would imprint themselves on who I am, how differently I would see life around me from this time forward, and the sight lines that would now exist towards something far bigger than my self. The fundamental question was and is about my role in life. What is it?
Do I want to be a contributor one on one or is working with groups of people where I excel best? What I see now is that everything in my life pivoted around that question. It wasn’t just my emotional tank that was in flux; my dreams, hopes, and focus were all looking for a compass point. From the third day through this moment I have had absolute certainty of the ministry for which I exist.
My mission and purpose is simple; “To tend to and nurture God’s children”. Seven words expressing who and what that makes up “I”. This includes my role as a husband, father, employee, manager, friend, son, and fellow traveler. To each my thought is this –
“Dear child, if you become wise, I’ll be one happy parent. My heart will dance and sing to the tuneful truth you’ll speak.” (Proverbs 23.15, 16)
