LIFE…What does it mean to you?

Growing up in a major city was the best experience for me. It was fast paced, fun and exciting! As I got older, finding a slower pace of life was more appealing. So, moving from New York City to Florida was the best idea. At least that is what my parents thought. It was a huge struggle leaving the Big Apple to the Sunshine State. I was making tons of money at the time and I was leaving a great job. I was working as a Corporate Travel Agent in Park Avenue where I would put on my sneakers in order to commute comfortably and then slip on my high heels once I arrived at the office. That all changed after moving to the Sunshine State. I did not have a job when I arrived but instead my full time job was to look for a job. My parents bought me a car to get around because public transportation was almost unheard of and believe me I was super grateful for my 1988 white four door Volvo.

Almost 20 years later and the Volvo has been long gone. I now have an SUV that takes me everywhere. Mickeyland is now becoming mecca city. There is construction everywhere and there are so many cars. It has no longer become a city of retirement but of many tourist jobs, delicious restaurants and lavish hotels for all or our visitors. I have had the privilege of working in the non-profit sector for almost the same amount of time that I’ve been in O-town as many would like to call it. It has grown immensely reminding me of the big city of where I came from. It great but as I get older I yearn for that slower place of life.

So, what is the meaning of LIFE as my title of this blog suggests? Life is what you make of it. Life is beautiful. Life is amazing…for some it is great and for others not so much or at least they may not seem to think so. Nevertheless, LIFE is good. The things that happen to us daily builds character if we learn from what life brings us. It was never meant to be easy for it were to be easy then we would not GROW! We would not grow into the human being that we are becoming today.

The meaning of life is different for many people. It could mean sailing, fishing, living on the beach, traveling, writing, drawing and so on. Life is what you do and how you impact others with your gifts, talents and skills!  I’ve been thinking about what my life has been and how I have made an impact on the individuals that I have crossed paths with. I can only say that I hope it was a good impact. I can only hope for the best and leave the rest to God.

Now, I ask you…what is the meaning of life? You can reflect and think back of your past and also think of what your future would be like. What do you want to do that will impact other lives with your gifts, talents and skills? How will you make a difference in your family, friends and coworkers’ lives? Will you leave a ripple effect of positive attributes? What kind of impact will you leave on others?

I love this passage of scripture found in John 15 where Jesus is referred as the vine and us as his branches. Analogies are great to learn from since we learn by hearing examples and references. What does this passage mean to you? How can you relate? Are you the branch that withers or remains?

Read and reflect:

John 15English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the True Vine
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Think ahead about what your life means and what you want to do. February is a great month to look at the goals you have written in the beginning of the year and see if you are right on track. If you are then GREAT! And, if not, then you know what you need to do. Get back on them and keep on trucking along. You still have the rest of the year to accomplish all that you set yourself out to do. Stay accountable and stay focused on your goals and dreams. Make life exciting, fun and enjoy the ride!

Have a great weekend and enjoy life to its fullest! Make your life different and impact others around you!

Godspeed

Cindy

GGWT