Living a more intentional life
Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 2:22PM Yesterday morning a cycling friend said something that I hear just about every week; "Dion, I need to do something more significant with my life! I'm longing for something that will bring me greater fulfillment. I want to know that I'm making a difference in the world. I'm simply not satisfied working for a salary".
Of course we discussed the reality that everyone has to face some parts of life that are mundane, not glamorous or filled with social recognition and easy access to the peace that comes from being 'on purpose'. However, I did also speak to him about a simple little lesson that I have learnt from Bob Buford's book Half Time.
To find true significance you don't necessarily need to change what you're doing. Rather, you might just need to change how you do what you're doing.
In other words, you don't need to give up your job, or go and live in a monastery, or become a missionary or social activist in order to make a difference and feel that your life and work are worthwhile to society! You might be able to make a huge, tangible, difference right where you are!
I don't know about you, but life gets so busy, I am faced with some many pressures, demands, expectations and simple daily tasks that I often don't get the opportunity to live life on a deeper level. My good intentions simply pass me by and I end up living with a measure of guilt and frustration. Sometimes I need support, sometimes it's understanding, sometimes wisdom, and at other times I need accountability. I have many friends, but very few deep and significant relationships that can offer me these forms of support and challenge. There are very few people, and places, where I can be entirely vulnerable about my challenges, fears, expectations and hopes without worrying that I will be judged, or betrayed. This group of 8 guys has allowed me to live life with greater blessing. We've been meeting for the past year (4 hours, once a month). Watch the video below for more details about the concept, structure and content of our meetings.
Well, I have found that the simple structure of Forum, that myself and friend, Dr Vonnie Mostert (a clinical psychologist), set up has been invaluable. You can read more about the concept here at the Network of Christian Forums website. There are already more than a dozen such groups of women and men across South Africa and the world.
If you're inetersted in more information about the Network, perhaps for yourself, or perhaps as a structure to support Christians in your Church or business then please drop us a line.
The video below was recorded by my friend Steve Johnstone the international coordinator of the Unashamedly Ethical campaign. He uses it as a promotional video for forums in the Unashamedly Ethical community.
I'd love to hear of any other tools or structures that you use to live life with greater meaning and intention.
Lastly, if you're interested in some reading material on living life with greater intention, purpose and blessing, please check out my new book 'Transform your work life: Turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling'.
Reader Comments (6)
I found a book The Gate of Beautiful by Gerald Rasmussen
finger trouble ended my post early
I found the book mentioned in the last comment - The Gate of the Beautiful very useful as it focuses the mind and the heart on the small every day encounters were we can make the most difference with Jesus in our lives.
Learning to discern what Christ wants at every intersection with our neighbours and even more importantly learning to celebrate His work in each of these occasions brgins great joy.
Hi Simon,
I'll certainly check out 'The Gate Beautiful'. Thanks for the heads up. By the way, please email me your postal address so that I can send you a copy of 'Transform your work life' early in June.
I love your last paragraph! So well put!
Be blessed,
Dion
Wrote a similair short story recently, tht u may enjoy,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsshortstoriescom/4459745854/sizes/o/
Blessings
MH
Thanks MH. I love the picture attached to your post. I appreciate the comment. Of course the structure that we are proposing here is specifically Christian in nature and intention (the 4 areas that we consider as part of our time together are:
1. Our relationship with God in Christ (and our responsibility as Christians in the world).
2. Our relationship with our family.
3. Our personal life (physical wellbeing, emotional health, finances, etc.).
4. Our business life.
With rich blessing and much thanks!
Dion
Alo Alo
Got onto you via John vd Laar's Sacredise. I've started reading some of your articles and am enjoying the browse. Thanks for the kind comment on my photography, I take it seriously.
Enjoy the celebration of the day
Blessings
MH