A temporary assignment

As mentioned, that short time we were blessed with on the LOS, passed by.  The gifts granted during those precious moments have become more central to life. It has taken time, a tremendous sense of faith, and a firm investment in  patience to see how all of this has evolved into an entity all its own.   

Purpose.  

As manifested in a temporary assignment

I am not sure how long it takes others to discern, realize and then choose to pursue a path towards their eventual purpose. I truly admire those that are able to follow their call upon hearing those words, simply trusting what is being said to them, heeding their call to pursue medicine, teaching, entrepreneurship, the Lord or whatever their vocation happens to take them. 

Yet perhaps in this circumstance – like others I will presume – the voice was there, but life in the present just got in the way.  It became muffled, reduced to a slight whisper.  Becoming overshadowed by the demands of the moment, the bright shiny objects that drew attention away and prevent actually hearing it.  

Just getting “something”, “anything” can overtake choosing a better “something”. Running from one difficult situation to another, rather than actually moving  towards something that is affirming, avoids reality. And, the truth.

Add to that, the fear that accompanies the trying that could lead to the failing. The risk of alienating those you “know”, so you can hold those you do not, close and dear to your heart. Not knowing whether you can sustain the prolonged effort and the requisite commitment to see it all through. 

And finally, deciding to move away from what you have done by rote for so long towards another calling  that continues to resonate, despite your attempt to ignore it in every way, shape, or form.  Ultimately, all of which are things that come down to choice. 

Purpose is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. 

One’s intention or objective.  

Those pervasive, reflective  and lasting lessons learned on the LOS unknowingly provoked some long term discernment.  

What was it that they were teaching, exactly?  

How were they pertinent to life as it was ?  

Where were they designed to lead?  

How was the journey to be undertaken?  

What was the reason for heeding this call?  

And, when? 

The nature of my experience was something that needed to be shared, reinforced and spread.  The game was one thing.  But all of those in the game – no matter the level – stood to benefit from learning those same lessons.  

Developing a player could only proceed so far.  Technique, drill work, strength, speed, scheme could only go so far.  Same with game day.  

But developing the person that resided within the player supported a plethora of opportunities, possibilities and ultimately, lives.  The potential was limitless.  

Should the player learn the lessons away from the field, so they could enjoin that curriculum all year round, imagine the performance for those 9 to 10 weeks come fall!  Not to speak of it in life for the balance of that year and all those going forward.

Imagine the performance in the classroom, with their peers, in the community, within themselves by just sharing the initial insights provided me and others at the LOS! 

Like accepting and engaging the weight of all responsibilities in all manner and form, arriving on their time, yet touching every aspect of your being.  

Discovering the value of humility through promoting others. 

Freely giving of oneself without any expectation or desire of return. 

Knowing that there is much to be learned in defeat – no matter the venue – and that  your response to that event  will eventually lead you back to the outcome you desire; victory. 

Mustering oneself to embrace personal sacrifice and persevere, regardless of the cost, to improve, grow and become what you are meant to be. 

Providing empathy, care, attention and love that will ensure the safety, security and success of those all around.

Rick Warren once said that “Life on earth is a temporary assignment. Don’t forget there’s more than just this life”.  How you handle the one here, prepares you for the one to follow.  

Now that I understand, I am putting all I can into what I now understand to be my purpose. 

A temporary assignment.