Reflection Options  

Journal  (reflect on one or more of these questions)

• Take a stab at writing out your life purpose.  Do this 3 different times or until you feel you resonate with what you wrote.  Then take that statement to a friend or mentor and ask for their feedback (Does this fit me? The gifts God has given me? What do you see that I can’t see in regard to my purpose?).

• Write about 2-3 experiences where you felt like God was really using you. What do those experiences have in common?

• Write out a prayer of questions you wish the Lord would answer for you in regard to your purpose.  Then read through those questions slowly stopping to wait for an impression from the Holy Spirit or a scripture passage.  What impressions did you get?  If none, try this again a week later.  Keep trying until you sense some direction from the Lord. (2 Chronicles 22:19) Then check out what you hear with another godly believer. (This article on seeking God by John Piper may be helpful.   )

Quote Interaction (Interact by agreeing, disagreeing or otherwise engaging with the quote/quotes)

• You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.   - C. S. Lewis

• More men fail through lack of purpose than lack of talent. - Billy Sunday

• Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it -but sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.  - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Reading & Reflection on the book, Shaping The Journey of Emerging Adults: 

• Read “Chart patterns to gain a clearer sense of calling” (p. 122).  Make a chart together or apart and discuss the patterns you see.

• Read “Identifying Challenges in Identity and Purpose” (pp. 110-114).  Which of the three “Who am I?” questions is most troubling for you? What have you discovered about your purpose or identity so far? Mentor: which of these three areas is still in process for you? What does that look like?     

• Read the “Discernment” ideas (Chapter 7, pp. 119-120). How would you define a life of purpose? Ponder the questions posed in the pacing questions.  What is the connection for you between your identity and your purpose?

• Read “Reflect on what it means to live into God’s Story” (pp. 122, 123).  Reflect and talk about any difficulties you have living in the “now” or seeing how God is currently shaping you or your purpose.

• Read "Reflect on a vision for purposeful living in everyday circumstances" (p. 140).  Consider the story of Mr. Genor.  What are some everyday ways you are being faithful to live out God's story?  How does that impact a sense of purpose?