Can I really spend my time doing what I love?

Designed with Purpose was on my heart long before I started this blog (cause' that would have been just last week!). It really started 10 years ago when I seriously began questioning what my gifts were and if I could really spend my life doing what I was most passionate about.

I often wondered if I was going to have work in a profession that just brought me money, but no real fulfillment. Could I really have a job that brought me joy and a sense of purpose? The answer is Yes! I believe that we are able to find purpose in doing what makes us passionate, what makes us happy, what we were wired to do. Even if our passion is being able to talk with women over a cup of coffee or designing jewelry, that which we are passionate about is what we were wired to do...and that is a gift!

But here is the challenge. I think it is up to us whether or not we actually spend our time using our gifts. So often I think we are pre-conditioned to look for jobs that have the highest salary or bring the most "success." We can get so focused on what the world says we should spend our time doing, that we might miss a great opportunity.
Now, I am not saying we should all quit our jobs and live on the street as starving artists. Because if we did that, how would we be able to afford the new fabric that is on sale this week at Hobby Lobby? And I haven't quite figured out the answer for myself...I am still working on that. But maybe a little perspective might help.

Here is an article from Rick Warren's online "Purpose Driven Life Devotional"... I thought it might inspire you today. My dad sent it to me last week, so thanks Dad!

Repeatedly, the Bible says to "serve the Lord with all your heart." God wants you to serve him passionately, not dutifully. People rarely excel at tasks they don't enjoy doing or feel passionate about. God wants you to use your natural interests to serve him and others.
How do you know when you're serving God from your heart?
The first telltale sign is enthusiasm. When you're doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you, or challenge you, or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment. You don't need rewards, or applause, or to be paid, because you love serving in this way.
Click HERE to read more.