My Why

Recently one of my students came by my desk to share his current situation. His wife is hospitalized with a very serious condition, and he has a daughter on the autism spectrum who started having seizures. I could sense the weight on his shoulders and the pain in his heart. I asked him if this was a good time to take this course. He said probably not but he’ll try. I listened, I supported and encouraged. As I got up this morning, he came to mind – I am reminded of my why. Why I teach; It is way beyond academia. It’s the lives that I am privileged to touch. There was a day I prayed for that kind of job – God answered. The job that was more than a paycheck, more than the exchange of knowledge and skills – I wanted to impact lives. I needed to work in a place where showing up mattered. A place where I could leave a mark and make a difference. My students became part of my why.

They are why I show up even when showing up is hard. Life is more meaningful when our ‘whys’ are more than things. This morning I was reminded that I asked, and I received. Reminded that the smallest desire of my heart matters to a great big God. He not only cares about my soul – He cares about where I spend my days and who I spend them with. I am blessed to spend them with some amazing students who add color and purpose to my walk.

So soon we forget the answered prayers. They become common- we lose sight of the moment we had asked and the day they were answered. I pray that as we rise to meet the dawn each day, purpose and gratitude would meet us head on. Visit your memorial closet often and take a look at your memorial stones. On days when you are prone to complain, call to remembrance your answered prayers. Those that led you to your ‘whys’. Then, be reminded that God is faithful and He cares.

*** So glad you stopped by – Live on purpose today.