Day 3 – What Drives Your Life?

Today’s reading centers on the key motivators that drive our lives.

Point to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace.

Warren talks about the benefits of a purpose-driven life. He states that this type of life benefits in that one has meaning in life, that a person can live more simply and completely, purpose focuses our lives like a laser, it motivates a person to live better, and finally that purpose prepares us for eternity. The discussion continues to talk about judgment and the inclusion of the question, what have you done with the gifts you were given?

One passage in today’s reading stood out from the rest:

People who don’t know their purpose try to do too much-and that causes stress, fatigue, and conflict.

I do a lot. I volunteer for the Scouts, I work in various charitable organizations, work full-time and often more than that, go to school, and remain committed to family and friends. At one point, a year ago, I was on the boards of 3 organizations and being asked to do more. I didn’t but only because time wouldn’t allow for it, not that I didn’t want to do it. I discussed this with my wife today on the way to the grocery store. She agrees that I do a lot for a lot of people. She adds that it is good work and it helps many people do and be better. I agree with her. My loving and smart wife also watches as I get stressed, fatigued, and absorbed in conflict at various stages of my involvement. Knowing that these activities are important to me, she allows much of it to continue. Her comments resonated with Warren’s passage and with my own thinking.

Warren adds to the passage above by adding that we need to live simply and on purpose so we can choose what things fit and do not fit our purpose. He also offers that in the days ahead we will learn to cutoff the activities and things that distract us from purpose, even if they are good for others. This is something I need to do, I know I need to do it. People around me agree.

Question to Consider: What would family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?

The reading today opens with a discussion of common drivers in people’s lives: guilt, resentment/anger, fear, materialism, and need for approval. This was a tough read and I found myself pulling away from the book’s message as it hit closer to home. I like to think I am driven by a need to do and be better but I find that my activities lead me to being in stressful and conflict-oriented positions more often than not.

I find myself carrying the weight of being hijacked by anger, as I wrote yesterday. I readily admit I have a gross impatience for people of mediocre mind and talent. This is amplified by those who do not practice common sense, don’t think critically, do not show respect, and do not communicate well. However, the anger and animosity I feel gets carried well beyond the conflict. It permeates into my life and takes control for hours, days, weeks, and even months.

Warren talks about this in depth today and he cites that the other person has likely let things go and holding onto such poison only leads to the end. And, as he speaks about judgment, an end before finding purpose. Other than letting go of these feelings the readings today do not talk about how to use or stop using this driver. It does mention that the remainder of the book teaches us how to be purpose-driven and not driven by other things.

I am hopeful today, even as I engage in conflict in many of the things I do. I am hopeful to find some peace through finding the purpose.

Image Source: drp

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