Your life is valuable and has meaning. I want to speak these life-giving words to you. You are a uniquely created human being who breathes life into yourself and others. You are enough in the very essence of your being.
We are in the holiday season, and there can be much going on. I like to take time to focus on the deeper meaning in seasons. This gives life to me, and I want to share an insight I had as an encouragement to you.
Meaning in the In-between and Waiting
Many religious traditions are connected to holidays. I was reflecting on one tradition that connects to the birth of Jesus at Christmas time. In Matthew chapter one of the Bible, it lists the lineage of Jesus. There are 42 generations listed up to the birth of Jesus (Bible, Matthew 1:17).
Some of the names listed are well known, such as Abraham and David. They are figures of religious and archeological history. In Jesus’ lineage there are also other names including men and women whose stories are lesser known. Additional male names are listed where we only know their name and nothing about their story. We know there are women who are a part of the lineage of Jesus whose names are not listed. All these individuals were a part of Jesus’ lineage, and from a spiritual perspective, also part of a plan. We don’t know what their lives were like. Yet, they each had a purpose that was a part of a greater plan.
I think a lot of us can relate to these unknown people. These individuals lived in generations of in-between and waiting. We can get our own pictures of success misaligned because we think that those whose stories are acknowledged are more important. Yet, all those people with lesser-known stories were still a part of a spiritual plan and had a purpose in the lineage of Jesus.
Finding Our True Meaning and Purpose
As humans, we have always been drawn and misled by thinking that fame means we’re important and have value. Whether it is having our story in history books, news outlets, awards, movies, internet searches or social media, it is the same pattern. Each generation has its own platform for fame.
But fame does not define purpose. Your life has a purpose and is a part of a greater purpose. Your life is not defined by fame. It is knowing who are uniquely created and living your calling. It is living your picture of success defined by your values, beliefs and (if part of your belief system) to a spiritual relationship that has a much greater perspective than our limited individual view. Living in alignment to this authenticity day-by-day is what brings success and deep purpose.
My blessing to you is that you seek in this holiday season for your deeper meaning … that is already waiting for you and is within you to be found.