I’m so thankful for all the positive encouraging responses that it has propelled me to keep going. This is totally motivated to help you navigate this life you’ve been given, even if it’s nothing more than a cheerleader, cheering you on! I believe in people and especially in the God who created you! He’s created you to “live on purpose,” for “His purpose!”
I remember when I was a little girl of around six years old, drawing with sidewalk chalk on the sidewalk in front of my house. We lived in Brookfield, a suburb of Chicago. It was a safe neighborhood, so my mom would let us loose on the neighborhood and we would return home in time for dinner. Those were the days! Right? Did I mention this was the early sixties?! Anyway, back to the sidewalk chalk. I loved drawing and I remember drawing my future family. There was a daddy, and several children. Too many to count, these children were from all around the world. Funny how the dream God gives you shows up in little ways as children. Never squelch a child’s dream!
Several years later, after having six grown biological children, God began dealing with me about adopting a little girl from China. I remembered that sidewalk chalk picture I drew, and understood that He was speaking to me even as a little girl. This story will be told in a much longer format, a book, some time, but for now the point is He designed me to be a mother. I embraced this gifting and calling at an early age. I knew in my heart that I wasn’t “just a Mom” but a steward of these precious lives in my care. I am still swimming in this lane. Not as a Mother who tries to manage and control everyone, but one who loves unconditionally and supports, and most of all prays for those who God has put in my path.
Psalm 139:13 – 14“For You formed my inward parts, You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
The psalmist wanted to show God’s heart toward us; He was there when we were created. I love this huge thought because it shows me how intimately involved He is with our lives.
Designed to swim:
Here’s another Michael Phelps example! I hope you don’t mind, but it’s excellent! Michael certainly is designed to be a swimming machine. His torso is that of a 6’8 person, which is long! This enables him to reach with every stroke, pushing him to the front of the race. He also has a seven foot wingspan, which also helps that reach!
His lower body is that of a 5’10 person, and has very powerful legs that are advantageous because of low resistance against the water. His hands are huge, which helps his paddling ability. His large feet, size 14’s, essentially act as flippers, which helps him powerfully kick with agility and speed though the water.
I wonder what would’ve happened had his mom not put him in the water as a small child. Even she didn’t know the magnitude of his career when she decided to enroll him in lessons. He certainly would’ve struggled with this body that was made to swim.
I wonder what you were designed for. What could’ve looked like a deficit for Michael, with his unusual build, God had designed for huge success. We look at what could be our deficits and shudder, but maybe, just maybe, God has designed and hardwired these into our lives for success. My mom, because she didn’t know better and was trying to spare my heart, discouraged me from caring for little kids around the world. She didn’t know, but that is actually my calling: to help kids. Don’t let other people squelch the dream in your heart. Do what you were designed to do. Once you start you’ll sense the strength of heaven behind you! No matter how big it is, you’ll have the grace and energy to move forward toward your dream.
Think of Michael Phelps in the pool, propelling that body designed by God to finish his race well. The same can be true for us! You are designed for your lane, you are designed by God to live out the purpose He has for you successfully! Just get in the pool and start swimming! You have what everyone needs, uniquely created just for you to give!