One warm autumn afternoon, a grandfather and his grandson watched a squirrel frantically search the ground for acorns. The squirrel, obviously preparing for the long winter ahead, randomly headed in one direction or another until finding the much-sought treasure. This squirrel was very old and nearly blind, but he made up for his lack of knowing where the acorns might be with hard work and determination.
As they watched, the boy heard his grandfather exclaim, “Will you look at that . . . even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.” When asked to explain, the grandfather said that the old expression means that if you work hard enough and are persistent, good things will happen. As the story goes, every once in a while something good would happen and the blind squirrel would stumble upon an acorn.
The Pursuit
When it comes to finding our purpose, many of us can feel like that blind squirrel. We can feel like we are playing “Blind Man’s Bluff”. Your purpose is not hid from you but for you (Col. 3:3). Part of the great journey of pursuit is seeking out that call and purpose.
How should We Pursue? Here are some keys that I have found useful.
Pursue Authenticity
The squirrel is pursing that which will “impact” him and also nurture and satisfy him. The correlation is that if we are not being authentic we will not have true impact, we won’t be able to nurture and encourage those in our sphere of influence. Also we will not bring satisfaction to our own selves without being authentic.
Pursue What You are Passionate About
Passion can be a great indicator. Your purpose will most often be tied to something you are passionate about. I am now a full-time blogger. However, I was not passionate about writing. I am passionate about encouraging people. Writing is simply a venue that allows me to do that.
Pursue despite your fears
Squirrels have natural predators and other obstacles that must be overcome. Likewise, we will have obstacles, haters and even the voice in our own head that we must push past. Someone once said that “fear comes along with you on the journey, but it does not get to drive.”
Pursue a deeper walk with the Lord
What does it profit a man if he gains the world and loses his soul in the process. When I am missing the mark, I know that as long as I am pursing the Lord, just like the blind squirrel, I will be lead into my blessings even when I am unsure of where to look and where to go. I just simply follow Him. Like the squirrel, I am always surprised at how He blesses me even in spite of my mistakes. God can get you to where He wants you to be.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8
Meet Striding Stanley
Stanley is the Rise Above It mascot. Stanley knows how hard the race can be. Ever confident, he presses toward the mark. Stanley runs to win.
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