Do you know what would excite you or give you a sense of fulfilment when you are old? Have you ever thought about it? I raised this question at a meeting with some leaders in our ministry over the weekend. Interestingly, it has roused some thoughts and even more questions in my mind since then. I cannot help but wonder why it seems that at every stage in life, a different set of things tend to stir our interest and take our time.
Reading/ studying is considered to be one major activity that takes the time of most “serious” students while in school. But today, when I discuss the good old days with former classmates, I have never heard anyone say how they cherished their reading time in school, hardly anyone seems to look back at it with longing. The activity of reading ranked high in terms of the time allotted to it while in school but, not as one of the most fulfilling and exciting activities. But let’s even assume that reading gave you a sense of fulfilment and took most of your time while in school, I bet something else occupies that position today – most probably your job. If your job currently takes most of your time and perhaps gives you fulfilment, do you think you would feel the same way about it in say 20 to 50 years?
I ask these questions because a vital key to real success is having constancy of purpose. When the thing that drives your life and gives you fulfilment changes every 3 to 5 years, it may be an indication that you are not living intentionally and purposefully but merely moving with the tides of life. Your life has a purpose and every stage of your life should prepare you and give you the platform for its expression. When you meet with God at the end of your life on earth, what would give you excitement and fulfilment about the life you lived? Are they the things that take most of your time and creativity today?
I’m not saying we should not read or work. That’s not the point! The bible even says “he who does not work should not eat”. The point is – if the fulfilment of our life’s purpose is what ultimately counts (even in eternity), then our purpose must be expressed at every stage of our lives. If our impact in the lives of others is something we would be excited to discuss with God in heaven, then we have to give it utmost priority today. I think it only makes sense to give daily priority to things that would give true fulfilment later in life and, will matter even after are dead. What do you think?
– Tope Aladenusi
