Pondering Purpose

It wasn't long ago my friend Shawn Sanchez called me up, "I'm working at a mission!" He exclaimed with spiritual fervor. It hadn't struck me in all my time as a Christian how important a ministry our missions and organizations like them can be. I can't tell you what it was I thought I'd do: Pastor, preach, youth minister? but I knew it would be something by way of devoting my all to a career ministering the Gospel. So when I went on a soul search of who I was and what passions I possess it was in my friend's life I decided to embark on a journey to find out God's will for my life; His plan so to speak.
Today, my last full day with Morgan Jacobs Construction, I dug ditches. I broke through tree root, concrete and rose bushes on my way to digging those much needed footers. Needless to say I have a couple of blisters and a sore back. Nothing new - it's what I've done all my life.
I pondered this plight - this grunt work - in my search for meaning. I thought, "What am I really good at? Is it only working like an ox? So, what is it?" No it isn't computer programming; nor would they allow me to be a banker. I can't sell shoes much less cars. I don't know how to build rockets nor operate on a human. The bewilderment I faced was taxing - after all, is it not the quest of every man to find that one purpose and dedicate himself to it with all he has?

I'm a former drug addict, ex-con, degenerate, street thug who loved to raise hell and didn't mind sleeping under a bridge when I had to. I possess very little job placement "skill" and I have a tendency to work harder than my body will allow. So in bemoaning my current life condition I found my niche: minister to the broken!
Why not?
Hey, I'd like to slap the smile off of Joel Osteen just like any right minded Christian and you won't find me buyin what Joyce Meyer is sellin either. But if anyone has cause to be an example for their false prosperity gospel it's me. In January I had nothing: no home, no car, no clothes, no money, no job, no bank account, no nothing! Now, almost 11 months later I am doing well for myself. I know that doesn't give me reason to boast (I will boast in Christ alone) but if I were to be talking in human terms God has blessed me beyond measure.  (And no it wasn't because I "spoke it into existence!")
What does all this add up to? I can help - I think. I think, as my friend Shawn has done out in San Fran, I can offer encouragement, advice, and empathy to those grasping for the light in the midst of darkness. Heck, why else would I have gone through the things I had? And another thing, it would be a shame if I didn't, like a warrior escaping the battle, go back in and get my comrades.
Yep, that's my purpose - I think. God may say differently. In the mean time I'm walking into, for the first time ever, my very first job wearing something other than an old beat up pair of wranglers and a stained t-shirt.