Spend life for something eternal

I often wondered what my purpose was in this world. And I remembered the Scripture passages, "You are the light of the world" and "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven," Matthew 5:14,16.

I knew I was supposed to be light in a world where the horror of spiritual darkness existed. I also knew when I performed good works, others hopefully would see those fruits as a result of my faith. Fortunately, however, I recently discovered a more applicable use for my life that placed everything in perspective.

After intensely scrutinizing my life, I found I changed my occupation (except that of wife and mother) about every seven years. Although I continually prayed for God to reveal his will, I often felt I must be considered fickle and undependable because I sought variety in my work.

Once I met the challenge of attaining a goal, I felt a fervent tug in another direction as if God was asking me to use yet another gift he had given me. I recalled Paul's words in Ephesians 4:11: "The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers."

One person could receive many different gifts. "Recognizing" my talents merely represented my appreciation for God's generosity and revealed honesty rather than boastfulness. I listened to others' perceptions regarding God's will for them, and it seemed most sought evidence they were fulfilling God's purpose for them.

One day as I sat comfortably in my office devouring inspirational literature, my eyes fell upon an awesome and life-changing declaration by American psychologist William James: "The great use of life is to use it for something that will outlast it."

Even though I always strove for worthwhile aspirations while attempting to discern God's purposes for me, I had failed to judge them by that norm. Luckily, though, that quote solved my quandary concerning what God desired I do with my life.

Now I needed to determine what I could do or should have accomplished that would outlast life. I approached my dilemma from a spiritual standpoint.

As I began to conduct an overview of my life to find what William James meant, I found indeed I had used my life for many things that would outlast it. I thought of the virtues of faith, hope and love, and I realized that acting through those virtues certainly would have lasting value. When I assumed the roles of wife, mother, daughter, sister, neighbor and friend, my actions could have lasting spiritual worth if I performed them for God.

I also thought of various ways I may have touched others through my vocation as a religious educator at church. And I remembered Jesus' teaching: "What you do to the least of my brothers you do unto me," Matthew 25:40. I recalled my attempts at helping others -- loving and caring for my family, visiting those who were ill, rallying for just causes, trying to do my best at work, and loving and speaking out for the kingdom. I had spent my life, thus far, for "many things" that would outlast it, simply by living for God -- being in the world but not of the world!

Ellen Shuck is director of religious education at St. Mary Cathedral Parish in Cape Girardeau.