"Finding Purpose in the Things We Do"

 

Dear Reader,

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I doing this?” I know I have—especially when I’ve said yes to something I’m not fully committed to. For example, I’ve found myself at a lunch meeting, watching the clock and thinking of everything else I could be doing. In those moments, the simple act of sharing a meal loses its meaning because my heart isn’t in it.

So how do we handle such moments? How do we stay in alignment with what matters?

Recovery has taught me a few things, often the hard way:

• Don’t overcommit.

• Prioritize what truly matters to you.

• Delegate or let go of what others can do better.

• Accept your human limitations—you are not a superhero.

• Most importantly, invite God into your plans with the sincere prayer:
  “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

In Doctrine and Covenants 11:13–14, the Lord offers this gentle reassurance:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.
And then shall ye know… all things whatsoever you desire of me… in faith believing that you shall receive.”

When we seek this kind of divine guidance, we find clarity. Our actions become more purposeful, our plans simpler, and our path steadier.

William Feather reminds us,

“A man must not deny his manifest abilities, for that is to evade his obligations.”

Charlotte Whitton adds,

“When one must, one can.”

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things with love. As David Wilkerson put it,

“Love is not only something you feel—it is something you do.”

And Jesus said,

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

So the deeper question becomes: Am I acting out of love or out of ego?
Am I strengthening my spirit or feeding my self-importance?

Alma gives us a powerful example of what happens when we surrender self and take up purpose:

“But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again… and from that time until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance… that they might be born of God and filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Alma 36:23–24)

When we step out of the way—when we remove ego—we gain strength from right action. We discover that purpose isn’t always found in what we do, but in why we do it.

I hope these reflections offer a new perspective—not to replace your own truth, but perhaps to walk beside it for a while.

Amen.