Over time, I’m going to introduce you to people who
are just like you and me. People who want to live a life of purpose. I’m thrilled
to have you meet my friend Jasmine Smith. Actually, Jasmine is more than a
friend—she’s family. My daughter, Ana, is blessed to be married to her brother.
Jasmine exudes warmth, love, and
encouragement to everyone around her, and her love and enthusiasm for God
creates a desire in others to draw closer to him. Those are just some of the
reasons I’ve asked Jasmine to share her thoughts on finding her purpose.
I think every child wonders what they’ll be when
they grow up. Certainly it’s a question many adults like to ask children! The
question itself has at times brought great hope and excitement to my heart as I
dreamed about the possibilities... along with great stress. In society there is
a large amount of pressure for us to succeed in school, get the right degree,
and have a good job (which usually means make a lot of money). So as a young
woman, I was excited to learn and try new things, but because I hadn’t come up
with a defined educational path or career goal, I felt stressed.
God has always been faithful and good to me. He has
reminded me time and again that He loves me and I am “fearfully and wonderfully
made” (Psalm 139:14). The fact that I’m alive means He made me with purpose and
cares enough to help guide me through my life. I may not have all the answers,
but I can trust Him.
I love the verse in the Bible that says “‘For I know
the plans I have for you,’ declares The Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). This has
made a huge difference in my life. I didn’t have to be shackled to the
expectations of society and my worth depending on my educational path. How much
money I earn and what people think of me doesn’t have to define who I am. The
God who made me and loves me more than anyone defines who I am. So with that, I
chose to live in freedom and purpose the things I’m passionate about and lean
on God for strength and guidance through the process.
I majored in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior at
the University of Washington. I’ve always enjoyed learning about people and how
they fit in society and how their values shape the world. After graduating, I
worked in Human Resources for several years. I did well in my job because I
enjoyed it! And through that I was able to encourage others to pursue the work
(if possible) that they enjoyed and feel suited for.
After I had my first child, I took another risk and
quit the job I loved. I was nervous again about the new stage of life I was in.
I was overjoyed to have the blessing of being a mother, something my heart had
always dreamed of! But I was also worried that I would be depressed being a
stay-at-home mom. I’d never “stayed home” for much of anything other than
eating, sleeping, or watching a movie! I was very social and loved being around
other adults who I could talk to. Would I be content being home, caring for my
baby who couldn’t yet have a conversation with me?
Again I had to rely on God for a new path—a new
journey. As I prayed, He answered me and told me to trust Him. That just as He
was faithful in helping me discover what I enjoyed learning at school, who to
marry, and which career path to take, He would help me be content at home and
enjoy taking care of my child. Looking back ten years later (a full decade and three kids later, where
did the time go?), not only did God help me, He blessed me more than I
could ever imagine. I thought I was having fun in my twenties... but I can
honestly say that these past ten have been the best years of my life.
I can only give God the credit for it, because He
helped me even in the hardest, most helpless times. The challenging times, I've
realized, have been the times when I’ve grown most as a person. It has grown me
closer to God and has made me desire to depend on Him more. The one thing I’ve
learned through all of this is that God cares about our heart and character.
The choices we make about what we learn, who we marry, where we live and what
we do for work matter. But our relationship with God and the people around us
matter way more! We don’t know the future, but God does. And He knows us better
than we know ourselves, so we can trust Him when we’re weak and need help. He
helps us in every stage and journey in our lives, if we ask Him sincerely by
studying His Word and allow Him.
Today I try to live my life intentionally, one day
at a time. One of my favorite verses that I use to guide and shape my life is “Delight
yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm
37:4 NASB).
Dawn: It sounds like you’ve found contentment in God’s purpose for where you’re at
right now. How is he using your gifts and talents to benefit and
bless others in this season of life?
I’m still home with my youngest who is in
kindergarten half time. I'm busy taking care of a family of five.
I’m also
involved with a group of women at our weekly Bible study. We learn about God
together and go through the ups and downs of life with tears and laughter. We
experience the amazing ways God is using us ordinary women to transform our
families, our communities and our hearts through prayer. It’s truly an amazing
and humbling experience!
I’m involved
in my children’s school, and I’m also part of a team working on Care Day, a
community outreach for the homeless and struggling. I’m trying to just live
each day seeing what God has for me, who I can encourage with my time, my love
and my resources. Next fall the kids will all be in school and yet another new
season of my life is approaching. I don’t know whether I’ll return to work part
time, or maybe God has other plans for me. I’m learning, asking, seeking and
praying. Living life this way, even with the unexpected difficulties and
challenges, has truly made my life peaceful, joyful, and purposeful. I believe
this is where God wants me.
Dawn: Thanks for sharing part of your faith journey with
us. I appreciate your willingness and desire to love and be available for people.
If you’d like to connect with Jasmine, you can find
her on Facebook
or e-mail her at jasminesmith1979(at) gmail(dot)com.
Now we'd love to hear from you ... Please share your thoughts, experiences, or questions on any of the following:
- Personal
seasons of life when you’ve struggled with finding purpose
- How
you’re using your gifts and talents now
- Anything
else you’d like say …
If
you’d like to share your personal story of searching for purpose or following
your dreams, please contact me: dawnkinzer(at)comast(dot)net.
.jpg)
