I have enjoyed several careers along the way while trying to live the American Dream, but always there was something missing.  I would have moments of satisfaction upon reaching a goal, but never fulfillment.  My work never had meaning until now.  Now I awake hoping something new is going happen during the day.  Tired – yes – but satisfied that I’m doing the work in this life that I was created to do.  By accepting Christ 16 years ago, I found over a period of time my specific purpose for being on earth.  I learned through study and service that giving of myself to others was the meaning in life that I was searching for all those years.  Now, just one small hug from one of my JOY “kids” gives me complete satisfaction and fulfillment for hours of preparation and work.  It is never the money anymore and thankfully my helpmate provides well from his years of working with the railroad.  Many think work and a job means collecting a paycheck, but it really means feeling satisfied at the end of the day that you’ve done what you do.  So, at 52 years old I now fully understand what I was created for.  I was created to be the mom to James, an Unexpected Treasure.  It may have taken me too many years to understand the gift, but in the end, I know he is priceless.  For you see, as James’ mom, I have learned my second purpose, which is to be the advocate for other treasures.  This second purpose allows me to help other Treasures, besides my James, dream big.  I’m that person to help them believe that God never makes a mistake; each Treasure needs to be all they can be for God’s purpose.

In James, I can see the purpose realized.  He loves everyone – unconditionally – and makes it his job in life to hug and love on as many people as possible each day.  Others may not agree, but then they don’t have to.  As long as James brings glory to the Almighty God through his love and his hugs that is the only confirmation I need.

So, do you have a Treasure?  Do you have a child or family member with physical, mental, or invisible disability?  Have you explored their life and their daily “stuff”, because if you look closely enough I’m willing to bet you can see Jesus in them?  Each time they take a breath, go out among the world that often shuns them, and each time they look into our eyes we see love and trust spilling over – that Treasure has fulfilled the purpose God has given them.

Yes, I’ve heard the comment of all the naysayers – purpose means a person can be gainfully employed and support themself at a chosen profession.  But that is the world’s definition.  Purpose means you do the one thing the Creator created you for and no one in the world can define that purpose for another – only the Creator.

My friend, when a Treasure walks by you or up to you today, I urge you to ignore the world – take time to get to know them.  Don’t judge them by the criteria of your worldly friends and family – actually don’t judge them.  Simply look within yourself to see if you are doing what your Creator created you for.  And as you realize that Treasure is really no different than you – perhaps even a little closer to the Creator – smile at them, encourage them, and remind them to dream big because there is hope when you are a child of the Creator.

I guess it’s lucky I didn’t sleep because I just spent the last hours studying.  It was great and I feel like I accomplished a lot – but I can’t always be so engrossed.

As I was doing my college work this morning, I was studying 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; and a portion of the Scripture sent me to the Internet for more in-depth study. 1 Thessalonians 4:8 “Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.” As I was reading this, it struck me that this might be the unpardonable sin because it is a rejection of God and the Holy Spirit.

In Matthew Henry’s commentary
The contempt therefore of God’s law and gospel is the contempt of God himself: He that despises God, not man only. Some might possibly make light of the precepts of purity and holiness, because they heard them from men like themselves; but the apostle lets them know that they were God’s commands, and to violate them was no less than to despise God. He adds, God hath given Christians his Spirit, intimating that all sorts of uncleanness do in an especial manner grieve the Holy Spirit, and will provoke him to withdraw from us; and also the Holy Spirit is given unto us to arm us against these sins, and to help us to mortify these deeds of the body, that we may live, Rom. 8:13.
This comment about “will provoke Him to withdraw from us” and then the reference to Romans 8:13 “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live”, tells me that there are circumstances and ways that a believer can “provoke” God enough to withdraw His spirit from us. This withdrawing of the Spirit would mean that we lose all power to operate within His kingdom.