How to live a meaningful life with purpose

One of my favorite sounds of summer is my husband playing his guitar. He’s so busy as a professor during the school year that it’s rare he has the time to pick it up! But when we spend our summers in Michigan, he makes up for lost time.

The other day, we were both out on the front porch at my in-laws’ house. I was reading a book, and he was strumming on his guitar. After a few minutes, I noticed that the music had stopped and Max had his phone balanced on his knee while he fiddled with the strings of guitar.

“I love this guitar-tuning app!” He said. “It does ONE thing, and it does it well.”

His off-hand comment got me thinking about the one thing I want to be known for, the one thing I want to do well.

Is it even a fair question? Don’t I wear too many hats as a mom, wife, friend, and employee to pick one thing? I loved thinking about this ONE-THING question because it challenged me to set my intentions and focus my priorities.

Last week I was visiting my sister in Massachusetts, and we had the opportunity to go to the beach. My four year old nephew and I built a sand castle near the ocean.

I was pleased with how it turned out, but I was struck by its’ temporary nature. Some of the things we build in this life won’t last. That’s not always a bad thing: there was value in building the sand castle even though it’s not permanent. But if I’m going to pour my energy and effort into ONE THING, I want it to be important, I want the effects of it to outlast me.

As a mom, what’s the ONE THING I want to do well? What do I want my kids to remember me for?

As a wife, what’s the ONE THING I want to do well? What do I want my husband to remember me for?

As a friend, what’s the ONE THING I want to do well? What do I want my friends to remember me for?

As a writer, what’s the ONE THING I want to do well? What do I want readers to remember me for?

I’m challenging you to determine your own ONE THING! If you’d like to be more intentional as a mom/wife/friend/whatever, make a list of characteristics you value under each role (ex: Friend: inclusive, fun, hospitable) then circle the one that is the most important to you!

One thing I want to do well as a writer is to encourage moms on their journey of faith and motherhood. Twice a month, I send out an email newsletter with encouragement and resources to do just that! Sign up below to get “The Scoop” and get access to all the resources in the free for you library!