Have you ever thought about why you work? If it's only for money, then does it mean if you acquire or generate enough to last your lifetime, should you not work? We can all benefit from real soul-searching about this facet of our lives as well as the kind of work we do. If you have enough money and decide not to work anymore, will it give you the contentment and fulfillment you deeply desire? The truth is, we gain satisfaction by doing those things that are worthy and valuable to us--the things we're really passionate about. If we're pursuing and doing the work we enjoy than it gives us peace and a sense of purpose. We feel confident in our gifts and talents. Let's determine if we're inspired and motivated in and with our work.
 
How Do We Know If We’re Inspired and Motivated In What We Do?       
 
Perhaps, the first question should be – are we created for the work we're doing? Does our work fit our particular design and abilities? If yes, then we’ve confronted and overcome the first hurdle to inspiration and motivation in our work. For example, a construction contractor will most likely find the work of a journalist inappropriate for their design. What about enjoyment? Do you love the work you do? Are you satisfied at the end of the day or exhausted and irritated? If you love what you’re doing, then no amount of effort will completely tire you out. Otherwise, your inner frustration of doing something you don’t like will burn you out before you know it.
 
Do you experience the joy of knowing your work inspires and improves the lives of others?
 
If you know your work makes an impact on others, your motivation will continue to increase. Think of a manufacturer who creates a bed with specifically-designed comfort features for the disabled. The manufacturer is informed that the bed has greatly improved the lifestyle of many physically disabled people and receives numerous comments and grateful feedback from its customers. Without a doubt, the manufacturer will experience the satisfaction of knowing their product changed the condition of people’s lives for the better.
 
In our current business culture, most client interaction with manufacturers are addressed by their marketing divisions and workers who are directly involved in the making of the product don’t usually have personal contact with customers. In spite of this, we’re often gratified if we believe our work as individuals has a created a better quality of life for others no matter what type of work we do or the outward recognition we might receive. The point to glean from this is knowing if our work makes a difference in people’s lives. If we know it does, than we are inspired and motivated to grow and expand in our gifts and talents.
 
Do You Show Creativity and Imagination in Your Work?
 
The last test to determine if you’re motivated in your work is to discover if you display creativity and imagination in your work. Those who are motivated generally show invention and originality in various areas of their work. The reasons for this are twofold: 1). It reveals a person’s unique design and make-up and 2). It allows a person to grow personally and professionally using their gifts and talents to benefit others and change their lives. If your work inspires you, you’re blessed and content. If it doesn’t, than it’s time to find your true vocation and get fulfillment.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

When I first started my quest to 'find myself' during my teen years, I looked for answers in some of the most unconventional places. As the daughter of a former astrologer, I studied aspects of human personality and potential as well as Western adaptations of Hinduism and Buddhism. It wasn't until age 30, I started seeing the experiences in my life as a well-crafted tapestry that God would use to reveal His workmanship. Up until then, I felt my life had no real connection, direction or purpose. I only had glimpses of the possibilities. I eventually realized that what I was searching for was what author, Brett Johnson, calls convergence. Convergence "is the stage of life when seemingly separate life-threads are woven together for your ultimate purpose. At this juncture in your life, you have cause to say: 'Yes! This is me; this is what my life is for.'"

I struggled for so many years with depression and compulsive/addictive behaviors, it was hard for me to believe that I would ever know my true identity and purpose. As I've gone through the healing and restoration process, I've come to understand more what it means when Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (Matthew 16:25; John 15:5).

Essentially, convergence is the integration of every area of our life by way of our relationship with the Lord. Through an authentic relationship with Him (not a theological concept of knowing about Him), our true identity and purpose are seen in our career, community, creativity and our calling. It is a picture of our life as a cohesive whole and not fragmented parts that we're always trying to balance. Have you ever wondered why you can feel conflicted in the various areas of your life? Because they aren't integrated like they should be. Integration requires us to surrender all to Jesus and allow Him to live His life through us. If we don't, then all we're left with is the frustration of trying to 'balance' everything on our own which leaves us empty and unfulfilled. This is what it means to eat of the 'tree of the knowledge of good and evil' since we're attempting to the job that only the Holy Spirit is meant to do in our lives. We're simply co-laborers with the Lord and yes, apart from Him we can do nothing.

Convergence is God's original design for our lives. To experience convergence, it's a lifetime process of going through various seasons of growth and trust in the Lord. It's the key to what Jesus meant in the practical sense when He said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). Do you want to start now and decide to accept His gift of abundant life so you may know your true identity and ultimate purpose? If so, you'll begin to experience what life is really all about.

In March of 1991, I made a decision that forever changed my life. For years, I suffered from debilitating depression and I could no longer stand the pain. Therefore, one Friday morning, I got up with the plan to finally end my life. That afternoon, I abruptly left my job and drove out to a canyon not too far from my family's residence. When I found the 'ideal' spot, I drove my pickup over the embankment, went down about 50 ft. and hit a tree. My vehicle acquired damage beyond the worth of repair but I was physically intact. However, it would only be a small first step on my road to spiritual renewal and emotional healing.

When we really think about it, everyday of our life is a precious gift. There are those who have and will wake up one day not knowing that day will be their last due to accidents, a sudden heart attack or some other unexpected event. While watching the doubles luge competition during the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, I reflected on the tragic, fatal accident of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the 21-year old Georgian luge slider who hit a metal beam after flying off the course during a practice run for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada). 

The truth is, not one of us is ever guaranteed tomorrow. It's only because of the Lord, "we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28). Do you often think about how you've spent your time? I know I have. All we have is today. Yesterday is gone and we can't retrieve the time that has now passed. May we see each new day as a gift that should never be taken for granted. Starting now, how do you want to redeem the time you've been given and how do you want to use it?
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         "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know that will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" (James 4:13-15)