Finding Peace, Finding Purpose, Inspiring Our Children

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“While the world was racked and distracted—while millions were groping as the blind for the wall, and while all men were resting upon uncertainty, as a general mass, our eyes beheld—our ears heard.” (Times and Seasons, 1 Nov. 1840, p. 202.)

Our world is turned upside down and inside out. Hearts are full of anxiety, anger, hate, and deep fear. The world is definitely in commotion.

I used to be deeply caught up in the fear and uneasiness of what is going on. I spent precious time each day reading, watching, and listening to political commentary. I was wrapped up in the awfulness. I felt extremely unsettled and anxious, uncertain of what lay ahead for my country and for the world.

Now, don’t get me wrong. It is definitely good to stay informed, to be aware, and to stand up for what is right. But this was beyond that. My heart was not at peace.

Can our hearts really be at peace in a world that is filled with so much hate, violence, wickedness, and deceit? The scriptures tell us that we can: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” ( John 14:27). But how?

I stumbled upon the answer by accident.

A couple of years ago, in the midst of being wrapped up in the news of political agendas, shooting sprees, bombings, and deep corruption so widespread, God placed in front of me an opportunity. It was an appealing opportunity. It seemed like a good, wholesome, uplifting opportunity in which I could use my talents to glorify God, but before I jumped in, I needed to know that it was indeed the path that God wanted me to take. I needed to know what God would have me do for Him.

I prayed a million prayers, studied the scriptures and conference talks, spent a lot of time in deep thought, and pondered in the temple. God told me in my heart that this was the path He wanted me to take. So I did.

In order to devote my time to this purpose, my time listening to the news and political commentators became minimal. I stayed informed but no longer focused and spent my energy there. I became fully engaged in the path God laid out for me.

And you know what happened? Absolute peace filled my life, yet the world went on. Corruption was rampant; hate was widespread; a pandemic hit, causing deep fear in many hearts; riots broke out; etc. I was aware of what was going on, but what would have normally caused me great anxiety and confusion, did not even touch the peace in my heart.

A friend asked me one day how I was handling all that was going on in the world and if it had me worried and confused as to what to do. Her question hit me with just how much peace I felt amid so much uncertainty. And it hit me even harder as to why I felt at peace.

My heart was at peace and is at peace because I know what my mission is. I know how God wants me to spend my time and energy in sharing truth, light, and happiness with others.

So what is your mission? What does God have in mind for you? Have you asked and spent time praying, studying, and pondering about it? Your answer may not come quickly. Sometimes we have to spend time developing our talents more for us to see and understand what God has in mind.

It might seem a little intimidating at first. It might feel slightly out of your comfort zone, but don’t worry. God has a beautiful way of using our interests, our passions, and our talents for good. Perhaps that’s a big part of why we have been blessed with them. So it might be a little daunting at first, but know that what God leads you to do will bring great purpose, peace, and happiness in your life.

And guess what else happens as we find our purpose and mission in life? Our children witness what happens, and they are left inspired to find out what God has in store for them.

When we find our purpose, we inspire others to find theirs also!