Last week when I was tutoring, my student began talking about evolution and the Big Bang Theory. He’s a science enthusiast and it’s intriguing to listen to him when he gets on a roll. I wish you could’ve heard him! He actually wrote an entire paper on The Big Bang Theory without researching a bit of data. Thankfully his assignment wasn’t to research but to learn to write a five-paragraph essay! It was actually the easiest paper I ever helped a student write because he was chock full of information!
Anyway, my student knows I’m a Christian and that I don’t subscribe to a Bang starting the world. Throughout the writing process as he shared more data – occasionally he’d look at me and say, “So do you believe in the Big Bang Theory now?”
“No,” I’d reply, “I don’t,” with a smile on my face. Over the course of writing the paper we talked, and he asked why I didn’t believe in science.
“Oh, I believe in science,” I corrected him, “but I don’t believe in the Big Bang Theory. It is just a theory, you know.”We bantered playfully and agreed to disagree. I didn’t say too much because I’ve never seen or heard of anyone coming to Christ through an argument.
Eventually he asked, “What’s wrong with the Big Bang Theory? I just gave you all of the facts.”
I think my answer surprised him, “If I believe in the Big Bang Theory, then I have to also believe that I’m an accident.””Yeah, you are.”
“No, I’m not. God created me and He created you,” I gently, but firmly, declared. I went on to tell him that God made us for a purpose. Without believing that God made us for a purpose, there is little meaning in life. We’re all living self-seeking lives at that point.
Oh, I’m sorry to carry on about my student. But I thought it was the perfect example to share with you and talk about the importance of having a purpose. You see, when you know that you were made for something bigger, you strive for that bigger something. It’s funny – because my student wants to do something great with his life, but all for becoming rich. Then what? After he becomes rich, what will satisfy?We talked a little about having a purpose but, at 14, I don’t really think he could understand!
I’ve seen so many people through my life strive for greatness and achieve it, then realize it doesn’t satisfy. They’re easy to spot; you probably know a few.
You may be wondering: “What good it does to think that we have a purpose beyond ourselves?”
Let me challenge you to push the pause button for a couple of minutes. In those moments that were deeply satisfying in your life – think about it:
What was going on?
Were you alone? Had you just achieved a goal?
Were you with someone else?
Did your “moment” involve anyone else?
Did that moment spur you on and motivate you?
I’m no psychologist, just a mom. But I’d bet that the “moments” that were most deeply satisfying in your life involved other people. And I’m guessing they involved relationships.
When we reach out beyond ourselves and celebrate life with those around us, we have deep meaning. God made us to be in relationship with us and He made us to be in relationship with each other because He knew it wasn’t good to be alone.
In the first chapter of Jeremiah (in the Bible), God talks to Jeremiah and tells him that before the creation of the world, God planned Jeremiah and had a purpose for him. I believe the same is true of you and me and everyone else.
By living beyond ourselves and seeking to use the gifts that God has planted in our hearts, we live fulfilled. There is no greater sense of satisfaction than being in the center of God’s will.
Do you remember when you were 9 years old and you heard about Cindy’s daughter who was struggling and needed money for her baby? I was amazed when you emptied your piggy bank, all $8.32, and insisted that we visit Cindy and give your money for her daughter’s needs. My heart swelled with pride at your generosity, but more importantly I remember asking you how your heart-felt. You said, “Good, real good. I feel peaceful.”
That, my dear, is the feeling that God gives you when your will and His will meet. There is an overwhelming sense of sweet satisfaction that nothing else will produce.
Not drugs
Not sex
Not alcohol
Not shopping
Not other’s approval
No award
No victory
Nothing!
Oh, you can pursue your goals and have lofty ambitions. I don’t think you’ll be happy if you don’t. However, I urge you to remember that feeling that you had when you knew at that moment you were doing exactly what God wanted you do to. It’s sweeter than sugar!
As we were wrapping up the Big Bang Theory paper, my student asked, “What if you’re wrong?”
“About Christianity?”
“Yeah,” he blurted with a smirk on his face.
“Then I’m a better person for it. If I get to the end of my life and find out that my loving others and wanting to make something meaningful of my life for a God that doesn’t exist – then I’ll be far better off than if I didn’t believe.”
“You’re right,” he admitted without hesitation.
Hmmmm.
Ok dear, I’ll wrap up this letter!
Keep aiming for the sky and checking your heart along the way. God plants a barometer in your heart to let you know you’re on the right path!
I love you dearly,
Laurie says
I agree that the moments in life we find most satisfying are those when we help others.
Char says
And isn’t that contrary to what we think logically?!
Jamie@TheMomGene says
Chat, yes!:
“ the “moments” that were most deeply satisfying in your life involved other people. And I’m guessing they involved relationships.”
God knows what we were designed to live for.
Char says
I believe he does!
Joanne Viola says
“When we reach out beyond ourselves & celebrate life with those around us, we have deep meaning.” Amen! Char, may God use your conversation deeply in the life of your student!
Char says
Thanks Joanne.
Patrick Weseman says
I was working on something called filing your buckets and one of the questions was “How are you nice to others” to little kids. I have been telling them that they need to be a bucket filler and not a bucket dipper-They need to fill others buckets and theirs will be filled.
Thanks for the wonderful words and I hope that you have a wonderful week. Thanks for hosting.
Char says
I love that bucket lesson for children. I’ve actually seen it done in a sermon illustration regarding marriage. It’s very powerful and full of wisdom!
Rebecca Hastings says
Sweet encouragement for all of us 🙂
Char says
It’s good to re-calibrate every once in a while. And think about why we’re doing what we’re doing!
Tracy says
Hi Char, all I could think of as I read your post is that even if your student couldn’t fully grasp what you were saying, you planted good seed. Now, for the Lord to use someone else to water, etc. God has used you, and I for one, love that! Being used of God! Great post, linking up shortly.
God bless
Tracy
Char says
Thanks Tracy! Have a great week.
Debbie Putman says
I love these open letters!
Char says
Thanks Debbie, I’m changing it up a bit. More changes to come!
Rebecca Jones says
Sowing seeds into intelligent and creative minds, sounds like what God does,
Char says
That’s one thing I was thinking is that we are sowing seeds …
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting! My offerings this week include Cheddar Smashed Potatoes, Grilled Shrimp and Scallops, and Mushroom Soup Marsala. Enjoy your week!
Char says
You too Marilyn!
Lauren Sparks says
Better off, indeed. laurensparks.net
nylse says
I’m enjoying this series.
Char says
Thanks Nylse. Have a wonderful week!
Lisa notes says
I’m so thankful that we are each here for a purpose and on purpose! God knows what he’s doing. Thanks for sharing your faith in this way, Char.
Sue Donaldson says
Excellent, as usual. It is all about relationship. God’s pursuit, and our RSVP. Thanks, Char
Patricia says
What a beautiful post! You are touching a tender heart that is teachable – praise God! I’m so glad you posted this as many parts of your letter confirmed the work God is doing in my own life. Thank you!
Donna Reidland says
You’re so right about purpose and true meaning. The recent celebrity suicides are sad examples of the futility of living for temporal success.