For this purpose…. Jesus came for and with a purpose. Most of what we do in life is for a purpose – seldom is it just a random act. We might think it’s random, but likely we’ve had it on our radar and maybe just avoided it.

Jesus’ purpose was to heal and draw us to himself so that we could prepare to be with him for eternal life with his Father and the Spirit. Wonderful! I want to walk with him all the days of my life. But the question I often seek is what did he have in mind for MY purpose? I know it’s to know, love and serve my Lord and my God. But how, for some days are very difficult!

Recently I have felt God moving around in my life like the cogs of multiple wheels coming together. For many close to me, things that seemed to be stuck are now beginning to move. It’s not quite smooth sailing; I’ll admit it looks a bit rough and has it’s starts and stops. But I keep thinking about how it’s in motion. Where is God leading them? Will this moving help them with their purpose in life?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law. She got up and went to work – her purpose was to feed and care for her family so they could follow him. Jesus also heals many and actually has to leave the town to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to other towns. For this purpose I have been sent, he says.

I used to get hung up on purpose, mission and creating plans. Now I just look for some good bones and go with it. Good bones are often described as something worthwhile at the core, but maybe not so great on the outside. If making a decision helps find or clarify your purpose, I like to say there were good bones in the mix. Most often when factors come together to clearly show how to move forward, purpose is found and action steps are revealed. Good bones are the deep base of a choice. Good bones is the base of friendship with God where you know in your heart he has your back and will not let you down – because he knows you by name and created you to live your purpose.

Sometimes even with good bones, our purpose can be sidetracked by another. Your efforts could become clouded over, unsettling you and desolation can set in. What was clear could become foggy. St. Ignatius says go back to when you had consolation and wait it out. Look into what occurred and how you reacted. Trust God has your back, strengthen your faith to know he loves you and hope in finding the good bones once again.

Sweet Jesus, sometimes I feel like I have the answers and other times I’m left wondering. I lose my way so often, getting confused and twisted in the difficulties of life. Help me to keep my eyes on you where I know there are always good bones to be found. With you all things can be worked out. I know my faith can lack and hope dwindle. But I also know that in trusting you, anything can turn and be made good. Show me how I can use the purpose of knowing, loving and serving you be used the best way in my life. Help me to be patient and quiet as I wait to hear from you. Open my ears and eyes to hear you speak. May my trust be ever stronger all the days of my life.

Bones photo By OpenStax College – Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30131407