Minor acts of purpose.

There was a time that I looked at my husband and in a passionate soap box moment said, “What if my sole purpose is to watch the kids outside for their protection?”

See, we have a ton of kids in our neighborhood and they tend to play in the cul-de-sac in front of our house. We watch their creativity and sportsmanship as they design games and adventures. My favorite is laying the nerf gun darts at the edge of the drive so they can find them again. And the times I find them sledding down our hill or hiding behind our car. Or when they use the softer grass in our front year to have their wrestling matches...for hours.

When this came out of my mouth, I was thinking about the many unknown cars that slowly drive through the neighborhood. My presence at home allowed an adult to observe the after school adventures and provided an unspoken protection to the kiddos.

I know for certain Aaron was worried. His face wrinkled and the look of confusion is fresh in my mind. I am pretty sure his following words were something about being crazy mixed with concern. I know he said, "Are you serious?"

And I was serious.

I continued to explain that I wonder if spending time at home to heal and find balance has provided a need for someone else to do something great. I mean what if one of these kids is the next greatest (insert amazing need here). Or all of them?

While I have been on this journey of finding my purpose in this life after loss, I have realized that some of the most meaningful things come from the smallest acts. There are moments when we make a difference and don’t even realize it is a thing. It is just in our nature. Simply being present. Making an impact in the minor moments.

We can get caught up in the grandiose ideas of what purpose is and build expectations around what that looks like. 

I had someone reach out to me today to get a more information about holistic doctors in the area. What if my purpose is to direct others to healing? 

I spent extra time listening to a student share about their pride for their country. What if listening changed her day?

I made conversation with the young man waiting for his coffee this morning. What if my suggestion of a masters program shifted his life?

What I am trying to say is that simply being can be fulfilling our purpose. The impact in those ‘minor’ moments make a difference that we don’t see and can't measure.

They don't show up as a deposit in our bank account or as a degree that we can hang on our wall. It isn't a direct connection to the square footage of our home. These acts don't provide the shiniest paint on our car or even put clothing on our back.

But somewhere, there is a woman that has spent her life baking goods for her neighbors and her gift has made a significant impact. 

There is a mom that has spent her day washing clothes for her child that will become the next president. Her bedtime conversations and holding him accountable has defined his character.

These small gestures define her purpose. 

So while our beliefs about who we are and what we are here to do is shifted when we struggle to become a mom. Remember that our purpose can be found in the small acts of grace. It can be found in the mess of our everyday lives. It can be found in the smiles we share with a stranger and the hug we give a friend. 

You and your purpose are significant. Release your expectations and allow the minor acts to influence your impact on the world.