Finding Purpose

There is a story about the time when a Scotsman demonstrated the new game of golf to then US President Ulysses Grant. Carefully placing the ball on the tee, he took a mighty swing. The club hit the ground and scattered dirt all over the President while the ball sat still on the tee. Again the Scotsman swung, and again he missed. Our President waited patiently through six tries and then quietly stated, “There seems to be a fair amount of exercise in the game, but I fail to see the purpose of the ball.”

The President’s statement could be true about many lives today. There seems to be a fair amount of exercise, a lot of busyness – but not a lot of purpose.

When I reflect on this, I’m reminded that it always seems to be the people who find ways to give of themselves and serve others who have the most meaning and purpose in their lives. They have sought out and found ways to make a difference in the world around them. This not only gives them a reason to get out of bed in the mornings, but it also gives them great joy.

Let us pray: We love you, Lord, and we thank you for your forgiveness and for your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. Today, help us to live in such a way that these gifts shine through us. Amen.