My 76-year old mother is a former elementary grades teacher in our hometown. She is still strong, although a bit shrunk with age, and is the main reason why I cared to read and reflect upon this book. It was my mother's not-too-insistent but constant advice for the past two years that finally made me agree to borrow her copy and go through forty days of reflection, in search of life's
purpose.Divided in 40 brief chapters, the book guides the reader to reflect upon thoughts, discussions,
passages, Bible
verses, stories and questions through a 40-day journey of
soul-
searching. Starting one's search for the purpose of life is the biggest challenge: beginning everything with God on Day One. The book introduces to the reader that life's purpose is not about one's self. It is not about personal joy or fulfillment and it goes beyond family, career and ambitions. The succeeding days (or should I say, chapters) involve
reflections and reactions to the author's contention that it is God's purpose that a person is born, that each person is designed to be part of God's plan, that one must not focus on an earthly legacy but rather prepare for eternity. One is made to understand that everyday is significant by focusing on God, communing constantly with the Creator, cultivating a friendship with Jesus, loving God and sharing this love with everyone genuinely. It talks of receiving and believing, of giving hope to repentant sinners, of spiritual renewal, that no matter what a person has done or has undergone, God readily forgives. And, in turn, one must receive God's forgiveness. As part of God's very own family, one must not only believe but fulfill God's purpose by belonging to a community committed to the light. Truth is given a new meaning in that it will set one free, but only
after making one miserable, as problems, motives, faults and sins are
revealed, for God expects one to change his ways toward spiritual
growth. The reader is further challenged to accept his weaknesses honestly so that God will work best in his life, segueing to the principle that a humble person will become more capable of sharing Christ's ministry. One will be convinced, after reading and reflecting upon this book, that each person is made for a mission, with prayer as his most effective tool, and a big, big
heart to offer to the whole world.This brings me to the thought that if only I had not procrastinated too long and followed my mother's recommendation for me to take this book to heart many months ago, I wouldn't have been weakened by a depressing situation that affected my job and confused my soul last year. It is not too late, though, for anybody to begin looking for whatever purpose one has in his life. As Rick Warren ably puts it: "Regardless of your age, the rest of your life can be the best of your life, and you can start living on purpose today." Perhaps, it is one of my missions in life, that is to pass on to others what I have just learned. I highly recommend this book to those who seek purpose and meaning in their lives. And I sincerely pray that sooner or later each one of us would find and never let go of the true purpose of life: God.
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