Peripurpose

Okay, this might be my favorite title yet.

I'm of a particular age where chin hair, body changes, hot flashes, and insomnia are regular topics of discussion at dinner parties and gatherings with my gal pals.

Therefore, the prefix PERI makes me shudder a bit as I think of the lovely word perimenopause that somebody (I believe it was two dudes back in the 1930s because, you know, they get us) came up with to describe the timeframe "surrounding" menopause.

Perimenopause could last months or years; the symptoms vary, and it's a time of uncertainty and frustration.  

It's all super specific, scientific, and helpful (she says sarcastically).

There is a lot of confusion about what we should do during this "surrounding time" to manage our wide array of changes, so most of us just suffer through and hope that it will be over soon so we can return to our happy, temperature-regulated selves.

All this reminds me of how we feel in the times "surrounding" the storms of life.

As the waves crash and the winds howl, fear and uncertainty surround us, and so often, we barely hold on as we suffer through, waiting for it all to blow over.

We are in a state of peripurpose, unable to see to the other side of the storms to understand the lessons and meaning of all we have endured.

In this time of uncertainty, we must do all we can to, as my dear friend puts it, "stay in the end."

We must focus on what God is doing and trust that we are safe and that everything will be okay in the end.

God is beckoning us to focus on Him - "Eyes up here!"

When we do that, we can see how God is handling it and repurposing all of this for good.

We don't have to figure it all out.

As we live in the moments surrounding our purpose, we can breathe a sigh (or many sighs) of relief and stay focused on the end of the story.

Because, my purpose-filled friend, we will live happily ever after.  

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Phillipians 1: 3-6

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.