Ultimate Destiny

by Ben Gumienny

The concept of destiny has been coming up frequently as of late. I’ve been contrasting myself with the team that I work with at The Bridge. It seems like each member has such a strong sense of their dreams and purpose in life but for me sometimes it seems to be shrouded from my sight. I’ve been asking myself questions like: “What is my dream? What should I be aiming towards? Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? (who me-yes you-wasn’t me-then who?)”

A friend of mine told me this week that he’s been realizing how easy it is to get stuck in routine and lose the meaning of what we do. He’s tired of feeling like he is just working to get money but that his heart is not connected to it. He is taking his own advice to pursue his dreams even if it means a 10-15 year regimented process in his life. I admire his courage as well as his willingness to pay the price to pursue what he’s passionate about.

Last week a group of friends gathered to watch the first installment of a video series called “Destiny by Design”. One of the concepts that arose from the discussion was that destiny is a bit of a buzz word nowadays and that sometimes our focus on fulfilling our destiny can become another form of self centeredness. It’s easy to see life as an opportunity to find my own happiness through using my gifts and abilities to succeed. However, Jesus seems to indicate that success is found in laying down our gifts and abilities, even our lives, for others and for His glory.

So, as much as I can feel lost at times in knowing exactly what path to follow, some things are clear. I don’t need to know my specific destiny in order to lay my life down and serve those around me. In fact, I am beginning to think that as I seek to love and serve those around me my destiny will come more into focus. “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” (Luke 9:24) So, in simple ways everyday as I am open to others around me in my life and seek to love and bless them over myself, perhaps I will find a sense of destiny unfolding. In short – one destiny we all share is to serve and love.