How do I move forward?

My life is full. Packed to the hilt with memories, experiences, visions, and dreams. Yet for some reason I feel stuck, confused, off kilter with who I am and what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m healthy, alive, open, and available for whatever life has to throw at me, but I don’t have any leanings towards any particular direction or calling. If I remain doing what I’m doing, I know my contribution would be admirable. As a chaplain caring for the spiritual needs of the terminally ill, I know I’m serving well. I suspect God Himself would be satisfied with my level of giving and sacrifice. But I’m not.

Not too long ago I felt and heard God’s nudges in my life, giving me the bearings needed to do what I was intended to do. With these nudges I got married, moved to Florida in pursuit of hotel in the Bahamas, went to college, helped plant a church and became a pastor, moved to South Africa and served as a missionary, then a chaplain and foster parent. Now, though I’m still serving well, I don’t feel as if I’m living as deeply and meaningfully as God intends.

How do I move forward?

I know this is a tough question to ask, and I suspect the answer would be different for each of us. After all, each of us have approached life and experienced life differently. Some of us got married, some of us stayed single, some of us have been divorced, and some have remarried. Some of us have children, some of us chose not to or, like myself and my wife, simply couldn’t. Some of us became wealthy, some of us are living paycheck to paycheck or, even worse, out of work altogether. Some of us are healthy, some of us are struggling with health issues, or attempting to endure the tragedy of a loved one’s health issues.

Regardless of life’s circumstances, each of us needs to pursue the passions of life God intended for us. I know this to be true because, as I mentioned before, I’ve lived in the depth of those passions. I’ve experienced first hand the fullness of life available to us all, and I know there’s more to be pursued, but I don’t know how to move forward!

For some reason I believe this coming Easter week is a perfect opportunity for me to glean some meaning from those of you out there asking similar questions and/or those of you who have considered these questions before. I have no idea what I will be able to do with your answers, thoughts, perspectives, or beliefs regarding what I’m asking for here…but I would really appreciate something, anything from you for me to ponder and chew for awhile! God bless you as you consider offering me…anything. Happy Holy Week!