Plan or a Purpose

Happy September! Fall is on its way. Out come the cozy sweaters, warm candles, pumpkin spice lattes & scarves. Haha. But seriously, I along with I think every other girl loves fall. 

There is something about fall that reorients us. It’s a season that causes us to evaluate where we’re going in life and what goals we want to put in place. The season brings a fresh vigor and zest for life, an energy to grow into all that we can be and what life can be in its total fullness.

Recently a friend was feeling disappointed in how many different ventures throughout life that they’ve tried to begin, sometimes finished but sometimes not. Feeling as though time had been wasted, they’ve gotten it wrong or it’s taken too long to get where finally they’ve gotten— and fingers crossed that this is it.

Oftentimes we put so much time into a specific plan or project and sometimes it’s awesome but most of the time it doesn’t last forever, whether it’s a hobby, initiative, job or goal. They are temporary investments that in the end help in creating this beautiful bigger story of growth, love and life.  And sometimes, it can even seem like we wasted time and energy pouring ourselves into something that then shifts changes or morphs into something else... or perhaps it’s something not even present in our lives or of interest anymore. 

That brings me to a quote that I once heard a pastor of mine say.  

Plans change but VISION or PURPOSE remains the same.  

Instead of having the perspective that we are investing everything we have into a specific plan, and then be disappointed if the plan changes, let’s invest into character goals, an overall vision and purpose, a greater mission statement for our lives. Plans will be many, but we can choose plans that only support our greater vision. 

One practical place to start is in Galatians 5:22-23 ... it says: 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

in character and values, firm beliefs- these are things that despite changing plans, can remain steadfast.

Investment in these things will never fade, but will always be of value, bringing fullness to life and everyday - never waivering.  

Keep your eyes on your greater vision - your current plan is just one way of seeing that greater vision through, and remember... plans may change but vision remains the same.

Lots of love,  

Ash XO