Finding life’s purpose is one of the most profound journeys we can undertake. For me, this journey has two key layers: a macro and a micro perspective. On a macro level, I find my purpose through my identity in God and in the mission of giving back to others. On a micro level, I discover purpose in the small, daily acts of kindness that leave people and situations better than I found them.
My journey toward finding my purpose began with advice from my mother. She told me, “If you want to know how to live your life, you need to get to know your creator.” I knew that she meant I needed to get to know God. That simple but profound statement sparked my search for meaning and purpose. In the Bible, Psalm 139:13 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This reminds me that understanding my purpose begins with understanding the one who created me.
Step One: The Macro Perspective – Finding My Identity in God
The first step in discovering my purpose was finding my identity in God. On a larger, overarching level, knowing who I am in God gives me direction and clarity. My purpose isn’t just about personal success; it’s about living out my faith and serving a higher calling. Anchoring myself in this divine identity helps me understand my place in the world and gives meaning to everything I do.
As Rick Warren writes in The Purpose Driven Life, “You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” This macro perspective—understanding that I am part of a larger divine plan—guides the overall mission of my life. It reminds me that purpose is not just about what I achieve, but how I live out my values of love, service, and kindness.
Step Two: The Micro Perspective – Giving Back in Small Ways
On a more intimate level, I find purpose in the micro moments—the small acts of kindness that make a difference in someone’s day. Whether it’s hosting a potluck or offering a kind word to a friend, these seemingly small gestures have a powerful impact. My goal is to leave every person or situation better than I found them.
One day, after helping set up audio-visual equipment at church, I stayed a little longer to help someone carry their groceries to their car. It was a small gesture, something that took only a few minutes, but the gratitude in their eyes reminded me that even minor actions can create meaningful connections. That moment reinforced for me that purpose doesn’t have to be grand—it’s often in those small, unnoticed acts where purpose really thrives.
As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” The micro perspective of purpose is about the day-to-day opportunities to give back, to uplift others, and to make an impact, even in the smallest of ways. It’s in these little moments that I feel most connected to my purpose.
Reflection Question:
What small acts of kindness can you incorporate into your daily life that would leave others feeling uplifted?
Preventing Regrets: A Proactive Approach to Life
One of the ways I approach life is by thinking ahead to the end. I imagine being on my deathbed and consider what possible regrets I might have if I didn’t live my life intentionally. This approach drives me to be proactive—setting goals and making decisions that align with a life of purpose.
For example, I used to worry about being too busy to spend time with friends or volunteer, but then I thought about how I would feel looking back on my life. Would I regret not having given my time to others? Now, I choose to make those moments a priority, knowing that they contribute to a life of meaning.
James 4:14 reminds us, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This scripture pushes me to live with intentionality, making the most of the time I have.
I understand that being a Christian doesn’t exempt me from challenges. In fact, challenges are a given because that’s how we grow. But I believe that God is the one who holds everything together. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” For me, God is love, and love is everywhere. Therefore, God is everywhere, and it is His love that glues us all together. This belief grounds my purpose and gives me the strength to face life’s challenges with faith.
Reflection Question:
What are some ways you can be more proactive in preventing potential regrets in your own life?
Books to Help You Find Your Life’s Purpose
Several books have helped guide me on this journey of discovering my purpose. Here are a few that I recommend:
1. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren – A classic that offers a faith-based perspective on why we are here and how to live a life of purpose.
2. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown – This book helps you embrace authenticity, which is closely linked to discovering your purpose.
3. Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer – A reflective book on listening to your inner voice to discover your true purpose.
4. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – A powerful reminder that purpose can be found even in suffering, emphasizing the significance of meaning in our lives.
Leaving a Lasting Impact
For me, living with purpose means striving to make a lasting impact on the people and places I encounter, both on a macro level and in the micro moments. Whether it’s through the potlucks I host, the friendships I nurture, or the small acts of kindness I offer daily, my goal is always the same: to lift others up. Proverbs 11:25 beautifully captures this sentiment: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
I strive to align my life with the macro vision of fulfilling my God-given purpose, while also focusing on the micro acts of love and kindness that create a ripple effect in the lives of others. The macro perspective keeps me anchored in my larger mission, while the micro perspective reminds me that purpose is lived out in the everyday acts of love and generosity. Together, they create a sense of purpose that is both meaningful and attainable.
Reflection Question:
How can you focus on both the macro and micro levels of your purpose, ensuring that your big picture goals align with your daily actions?
Soul Sights
1. Purpose begins with knowing who you are at your core and connecting that identity to something greater.
Finding purpose is about understanding yourself, your values, and your beliefs. But it doesn’t stop there. Purpose expands when you connect your identity to a larger mission, something beyond yourself. For me, this meant anchoring my identity in God, allowing His love and guidance to shape my life’s direction. When you align your actions with a greater purpose, everything begins to make more sense, and your life takes on a deeper meaning.
2. Giving back is one of the most fulfilling ways to live out your purpose, on both a grand and small scale.
Purpose doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s found in the smallest acts of kindness that uplift others. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting a friend, or offering a helping hand to someone in need, each act of giving brings you closer to your purpose. Over time, these small acts accumulate into a legacy of impact, reminding us that purpose is often lived out in the everyday moments.
3. Purpose isn’t static—it evolves as you grow, learn, and impact others.
Life is dynamic, and so is purpose. As we navigate through different stages of life, our understanding of our purpose evolves. What may have driven you years ago may look different today. Embracing this fluidity allows you to adapt, grow, and continue to find meaning in new experiences and challenges. The key is to stay open to where life and purpose lead, knowing that change is part of the journey.
4. The small acts of kindness you offer daily can create a ripple effect that leaves a lasting legacy.
Never underestimate the power of small actions. A smile, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand can create ripples that go beyond what you can see. These acts not only improve the lives of others but also reinforce your own sense of purpose. Over time, those small moments of kindness can lead to lasting change in the lives of others and leave behind a legacy that reflects the love and purpose you lived with.
5. Your purpose isn’t just about you—it’s about how you contribute to the world and the lives of those around you.
Purpose goes beyond personal fulfillment. It’s about how you use your gifts, time, and energy to contribute to the greater good. When you focus on making the world a little better through your actions, whether big or small, you fulfill a deeper sense of purpose. True purpose comes from serving others, lifting them up, and creating a positive impact that goes beyond your own life.
Quotes on Finding Life’s Purpose1. “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank 2. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill 3. “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa
Final Thoughts
Finding your purpose is an ongoing journey, one that requires reflection, connection, and action. Whether you focus on the grand mission or the small moments
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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