Finding Purpose in the Unplanned
I remember as a child, sitting on the front porch of our small house, and dreaming about a big, exciting life—one where I was a millionaire with a career that took me around the world. My dreams were as vast as the skies, and I was certain nothing would stop me. I had it all mapped out: I’d leave the country, earn lots of money, buy a house, drive a fancy car, and eventually build a perfect family.
But life had different plans. As the years passed, I learned that sometimes the path we imagine isn’t the one we end up on. And while I didn’t get the life I once dreamed of, I’m starting to see that the detours have shaped me in ways I never expected.
The Journey That Wasn’t Planned
Initially, I wanted to be a nurse. But the thought of dealing with blood quickly put that idea to rest. So, I shifted gears and considered computer science or engineering. These fields seemed like a solid path to financial security and success. I began my first semester in college as a computer science major, full of optimism.
Then came the math—an avalanche of it. I struggled in my courses and eventually failed my math class. Rather than push through, I gave up on the dream. Looking back, I see that it wasn’t the challenges that stopped me—it was my fear of failure. I let a setback derail what might have been a promising path.
Life, however, had other plans. I ended up joining the military, not out of passion, but as a means to pay for college. Becoming a chef in the military wasn’t exactly part of the dream, but I accepted it because it was practical. The military offered a sense of stability, and after four years of service, they would pay for my education. That became my new goal.
During my service, I learned discipline and resilience, skills that would serve me well in the years ahead. But the biggest shift came when I moved back home to care for my mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly, life wasn’t about dreams—it was about survival. I took on various odd jobs and eventually landed a position in human resources at a security company. It wasn’t my dream career, but it paid the bills.
This chapter of my life taught me the meaning of Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” My life hadn’t followed the plan I made as a child, but each step led me exactly where I needed to be. And though I didn’t see it then, every detour was shaping me for something greater.
The Possibility of Reinvention
Years later, I attended a career fair on behalf of my agency, where I met a pilot. We struck up a conversation, and he told me all about the process of becoming a pilot. His words sparked something in me—a long-forgotten part of myself that once dreamed big. “It’s not too late,” he said, “I didn’t start flying until I was your age. You just have to be willing to take the leap.”
For a brief moment, I imagined myself soaring through the skies, charting a new course for my life. But the cost of training—around $80,000—was a reality check. I wasn’t sure if I had the time or the means to start fresh. Yet, the idea of reinvention lingered.
Though I didn’t pursue becoming a pilot, our conversation reminded me of something important: it’s never too late to follow a new path. And that’s when I started to reflect on what I truly wanted. For the first time in a long time, I thought about writing. It was never a career dream, but in so many ways, writing had always been a companion—something I turned to when I needed to make sense of the world.
As Jeremiah 29:11 promises, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Maybe writing was part of the plan all along, and I just needed to rediscover it.
Soul Insights
1. Detours Are Often Divine Redirections
What we often perceive as failures or missteps can be divine redirections. Looking back, I realize that every twist in my journey, from the military to caregiving, was preparing me for something greater. While they weren’t what I imagined, they were exactly what I needed to grow.
2. It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself
The pilot I met reminded me that it’s never too late to chase a new dream. Reinvention isn’t about age or timing—it’s about desire. If you’re willing to start fresh, there’s always a way. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Perhaps now is my season to embrace writing.
3. Caring for Others Can Reveal Strengths You Didn’t Know You Had
When I moved back to care for my mother, I wasn’t thinking about my future—I was thinking about her survival. Yet, that experience revealed strengths I didn’t know I had. It taught me resilience, patience, and the power of unconditional love. Sometimes, our greatest trials show us what we’re truly made of.
4. Dreams Can Evolve, and That’s Okay
My childhood dreams of wealth and success were based on what I thought life was supposed to look like. But as I grew older, I realized that dreams can evolve. Letting go of old ambitions to make space for new ones is part of the journey. I no longer chase wealth—I chase purpose.
5. Purpose Is Found in Persistence
Purpose doesn’t come from following a perfect, linear path. It comes from persistence, from continuing to move forward even when the road seems uncertain. Every step I’ve taken has taught me something, even when it didn’t make sense at the time. As Winston Churchill wisely said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I’ve spent a lot of time wondering what might have been. What if I had pushed through that math class? What if I had stuck with computer science or pursued becoming a pilot? But today, I’m learning to appreciate where I am, even if it’s not where I thought I’d be.
Writing has become my way of stitching together the pieces of my journey—the highs and lows, the detours and surprises. It’s a way of processing everything I’ve experienced, and maybe even helping others along the way. I’ve learned that life’s unexpected paths often lead us to where we’re truly meant to be.
So, whether you’re facing roadblocks, unexpected detours, or considering starting anew, remember: it’s never too late to pursue purpose. Life has a way of guiding us where we need to go, even if the path doesn’t look like we expected. Trust that the journey is just as important as the destination.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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