Where passion and purpose meet

Our mission for September was to help each other discern a purpose and passion for our lives. The entire month was devoted to highlighting our ministry offerings, which included a luncheon with ministry stations where leaders could share about their area, a tour showing off our beautiful campus, and another weekend, a time set aside for getting to know each other better. This weekend, our favorite consultant, Reggie McNeal, was here to share his thoughts.

More and more, we are being told to live out passion, to live with meaning and purpose. This sentiment has at least two paths. One is that people work at their jobs and then pursue their passions outside of work. However, the better choice, and the one we should strive for, is when things work together simultaneously. Passion is something we look forward to doing; purpose motivates and excites us when we awake in the morning. Living an abundant life intersects both.

My passion for a career was always in the legal field. After college, I worked as a paralegal and figured that would be my forever career. Becoming a mom changed my view on what I thought I wanted for my life. Years later, to contribute to the family budget while still being a stay-at-home mom, I worked part-time as an insurance agent in our business. It certainly was not a passion, but it did have a purpose.

Being a mom and a nana will always be first in my passion and purpose category. Unfortunately, time goes fast, and the phenomenon of being an empty nester happened.

Thankfully, 15 years ago, I started working for the church and eventually became the Executive Pastor. My experience in the legal field and insurance business certainly prepared me for my role. It is obvious to me now that God had a plan for my life all along. I truly am living out my purpose and passion, and I feel blessed every day that I get to serve God.

The apostle Paul is a perfect example of walking in purpose and passion.

Paul’s purpose was to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul understood what was valuable and lasting in life. It’s not money, a big house, or a fancy car. Those things don’t last. What lasts forever are people. That is why Paul said people are his glory and joy. People last forever. Knowing this, it is surprising how much time and effort we invest in things and how little time and effort we spend in building up people. Paul’s purpose was his passion to save the lost. That’s because he knew that people have eternal value. So, he spent his time making friends, teaching, and mentoring many people. Without love, his purpose would have been out of duty. Paul’s life story does not sound like he is acting out of duty. He was stoned, starved, shipwrecked, given a lashing, and traveled long, tiring miles. It wasn’t duty that carried Paul; it was his love for people. Paul really loved the people that God brought into his life. 

I can relate to Paul in that I love all the people God has brought into my life. It is a gift to be part of a family called Hillspring.

Blessings,

Peggy Zumhofe

Executive Pastor