Dear Bruce

11. July 2008 by BruceSmith.

Dear Bruce,

I love to read the stories you share about people who have taken big risks and find the kind of life they were looking for.  I really get inspired each time I read one of those stories.  What I would like to know, however, is how I can live a “big” life if I feel called to stay in my normal job, in my normal town, living my “normal” life?  I do want to live the kind of life I was meant to live, as you put it, but I don’t feel like I am called to be a missionary or some other kind of “superhuman”.

What does a big life look like for people like me?

Dan

Dan,

That is a great question!  Finding the life you were meant to live is not always about “superhuman” feats and impressive off the charts accomplishments.  In fact, the idea of “calling” is about coming to grips with who we were created to be, and giving it our all no matter where we are in life.

Most people would not consider teachers to be superhuman figures.  Yet, I would suggest to you that some of the most important “heroes” in our society are those teachers who are quietly, yet passionately, giving their all to kids day in and day out in order to set those students up for success in the future.  While teachers don’t make a billion dollars like Tiger Woods (who will in fact be the first billion dollar athlete by 2010 it appears), they are central players who influence where our society will be years down the road.

Likewise, nurses, for example, do not get the admiration of doctors.  Yet, without the nurses the doctors  could not do what they do.  Nurses have the privilege of caring for the ailing all day every day.  They are the ones who are extended the honor of demonstrating ongoing care, compassion, and love during those long hours when the doctors are not around.  This is a truly “big” gift.

The same is true of any profession where an individual uses his or her influence, gifts, and abilities to make a difference.  The lawyer who is committed to justice, truth, and honor is making an enormous difference daily.  The fireman who gives his or her life to save another is performing in heroic ways.  The financial planner who is dedicated to enabling others to plan, protect, and build a better future is offering a critical function.  The little league coach who is impacting young lives is performing admirably.  The personal trainer who is aiding others in building their bodies and health is playing a vital role.  The home builder, electrician, policeman, engineer, …and so many more who may not make the headlines each day, are central to the functioning of all of our lives.

The life we were meant to live is not so much a matter of having a sexy job description, its about offering our selves right where we are to God in order that He might use us to impact the lives of others.  The stay at home mom who gives herself daily to the nurturing and care of her children is providing an environment for those kids to flourish for life.  The single dad who gives himself to the care of his children is leaving a legacy for his children.  The grandparent who instills a deep sense of faith, love, and constancy in his or her grandkids is to be championed.

As inspiring as Bruce Olson’s story is, God is not calling all of us to go to a foreign country to live in a hut.  Yet, He is calling each of us to give ourselves totally to Him wherever we may be at this moment.  Each time we demonstrate grace where we could strike out for revenge we demonstrate the life we were meant to live.  Each time we make an effort to encourage another who may be struggling we live the life we were meant to live.  Each time we seek to bring healing to a relationship that is faltering…each time we help keep another person on track…each time we choose purity and faithfulness…each time we earnestly pray…each time we submit our affections, desires, and longings to God…each time we commit to our marriages…each time, we live the life He has called us to live.

Essentially, finding the life we were meant to live begins with who we are.  If we are the kind of person God is calling us to be internally we are well on our way to experiencing all that He has called us to.  In fact, there are far too many people who appear outwardly to be living “big” lives, and are dying on the inside.  Our quest, first, is to know Him and to walk in His ways.  Then, as we open ourselves to His direction, He can guide us on the expeditions He has for us.

Begin your journey to a big life by giving each moment you have to Him, fully and without reservation.  Each interaction, each thought, each pursuit, each act, …  As you make this kind of living an expression of who you are you will, in fact, find your life to be increasingly meaningful.  The “big” life is about knowing a big God who offers you the privilege of experiencing Him fully in every moment.

Make a life where you are, and be open to His leading.  We never know what is ahead, but the journey is better left in His hands.

Bruce Smith

optimuslife.org

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