Do you recall trying to figure out your life after high school? Will I marry someday? Where will I settle down? What career will I choose? How have things turned out? Here’s an excerpt from the “old” section of “Everyday Heroes – Old, New, and Even You.” It’s likely to evoke sweet memories or steer you in a better direction.
*****
The kitchen smelled of buttered toast, apple jelly, and coffee. Red birds flitted past the window, grabbing their birdseed breakfast on the fly, narrowly escaping the dive-bombing ol’ blue jays. Late breakfasts at Grandma’s always made Leigh feel settled and more secure – even as the uncertainty of her future pecked away at her heart.
Leigh, a journalism major, had just finished her junior year of college and found herself sipping coffee with Grandma to unwind. She loved seeing the world through her grandmother’s eyes. Everything made so much sense when filtered through her years.
“Grandma,” Leigh asked, “do you think I’m doing the right thing? I mean, taking time off just to make this trip to Israel when I’m so close to graduating. I’ll be a whole year behind!”
“Behind what?” Grandma asked.
“Well … life! But if I don’t go with this group now, I’m afraid I’ll never get another chance. I so want to see the Holy Land. I want to taste the olives, hear the sandals flap on the streets, and smell the wisteria after a gentle rain. Experiencing all of that will not only make my writing come alive, but I’ll get to walk where Jesus walked.
Grandma poured some of her steaming coffee into her saucer to cool it as she listened quietly. She knew her granddaughter needed to talk this out.
Leigh babbled on. “On the other hand, if I leave, I’ll miss out on the visiting professor everyone raves about. They say he’s the absolute best. He’s even worked with National Geographic. Since I’m a senior, I know I’ll get into his class, and this is the only semester he’ll teach before going on an extended assignment. Adding his name to my resume could be a real door-opener!”
Leigh took a deep breath and propped her chin on the heel of her hand as she sighed mournfully, “I just feel trapped.”
Grandma lifted the saucer to her lips. After taking a sip, she smiled and asked, “Leigh, what’s your passion?”
Leigh looked bewildered. “My passion?”
“Yes, girl. What do you love doing more than anything else?”
Leigh thought for a few moments, taking in her grandma’s hazel eyes and the lines that marked her years of wisdom. “Telling others about Jesus, Grandma. That’s what I love best.”
“Then you have your answer. Choose whatever will help you most in doing that. Most of the time, when you find your passion, you also discover your purpose, and your choices become clearer.”
Grandma rarely finished a conversation like this without a good story, and this time was no different. “Leigh, since you feel trapped, and we’re talking about the Holy Land, do you remember reading about the Jews of Judah being captured and taken to Babylon as slaves?”
“Yes, ma’am. I do.”
“Do you remember who the first king to have the name “Great” attached to him was?”
“No, I don’t think I do.”
“It was Cyrus, the king of Persia. The Jews had been living in Babylon for about 70 years when Cyrus took control. Cyrus might have thought it was his own strength that brought him to power, but he understood it was God’s. As far back as the writings of Isaiah, God specifically named Cyrus as the one who would rise to power and allow His chosen children to return to their homeland. Amazing, isn’t it? God knew ahead of time that His children would forget Him and His ways. He knew hard times would be the only thing to soften their hearts and bring them back to Him. He already had their liberator’s name in His heart and on His lips. God knew Cyrus’ heart was one He could use.
Cyrus realized early that he could be either successful or significant. He chose to be significant by adding value to others’ lives. He became Cyrus the Great by choosing to liberate rather than dominate. We don’t know all of Cyrus’ personal beliefs, but we do know that God moved his heart to meet the Jews’ needs. They needed to rebuild their temple and their faith, and Cyrus empowered them to do so. By allowing religious freedom, he showed respect for others, and in return they helped him build an amazing kingdom.“
Leigh tried to internalize the story, but failed to see the connection to her life. “Grandma, what does this have to do with me?”
“I know you, and I know your heart. Perhaps God sent you this decision to set your passion free. I believe deep down you know the choice for you. Do you want to be successful, or do you want to make a difference?”
“I want to make a difference for Jesus, but I also want a career and, someday, a husband and family.”
“Leigh, those things aren’t separate. To stay energized and fulfill your purpose, everything you do has to line up with your passion – your work, your friends, your family. Everything! If telling others about Jesus is the most important thing to you, then choose the things in life that enable you to do that. You love to write, so keep thankfulness always on your mind as you write. You love people. Tell them all that God has done for you. Let your love for Jesus be so strong you can’t help but talk about Him. Let Him be the thread that holds your life together. No matter what career you choose, it will become your platform for sharing the message of Jesus. You won’t have to preach at everyone – you’ll just show them the face of freedom in Christ.”
Leigh leaned back in her chair, letting her grandmother’s words sink in.
Grandma continued, “God has had our country on His mind for a very long time. I’m afraid many of us have allowed Satan to take us captive, but now it’s time for His children to renew their passion and fulfill their purpose. God knows your heart is one He can use. Who knows? He may use you to offer spiritual freedom to Satan’s captives, just as Cyrus offered religious freedom to the Jews.”
Leigh’s eyes lit up as she jumped up from her seat and headed toward the door. “I love you, Grandma!”
“Where are you going?”
“To call my friends and tell them that I’m going to Israel! I’ll call you tomorrow. Thank you! Thank you!”
Grandma lifted her cup, took another sip, then gazed at the cloud-split streaks of sunlight outside her window and said, “Thank you, God. Thank you for setting her passion free.”
*****
“I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people— without seeking a reward! I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” (Isaiah 45:13)
God still does the same for us! All we have to do is trust Him.
[For more of “Everyday Heroes – Old, New, and Even You,” scroll to the bottom of the home page.]
