You cannot raise four boys without focus and your wits tightly wrapped about yourself.  I used to pride myself on knowing what was happening, where it was happening and where everything was to make it happen.

This has changed with time.

For example, I have a dedicated sock drawer.  But I can never find my favorite pair – together.  They get separated, slide underneath and behind.  I find a stray sandwiched between a stack of towels.  Maybe I should just get rid of my unfavorite socks.

Doug has a similar problem with keys.  There is a giant key hook in the kitchen, a basket in the living room and the top of his dresser.  They all hold keys, but never the one he wants.

What I really want to find these days, is that next big thing I might do with my life.  That thing that makes the hours fly by in deep satisfaction.

Some folks don’t understand.  They say “relax” – “kids are grown” – “go with the flow”.

But I know something is out there waiting.  I’m going to find it.

I recently read a guest post by Mary E DeMuth on Michael Hyatt’s website …Find Your Passion in Three Steps. 

I’m simplifying a bit, but the first step is finding the spot where a needy world and that thing which brings you joy, meet up.  For example, my mother loves to sew.  She quilts with a group who donate their time and wares to folks in need.  She loves what she does and provides a useful product.

I’m stuck on the first step.  My “joy” things are more nebulous – I like to make people happy… bridge gaps… bring clarity… write.  Could I possibly be more vague?

The second step is to list your top three favorite movies and identify a common theme.  This is hard if you think too much…just grab the first ones that pop into your head.  Mine were – When Harry Met Sally – Little Women – The Patriot.

OK.  Relationships and struggle?  Family and Civil war?  More family and Revolutionary War?  Relationships and struggle.   Hmmm.  Am I making headway or should I cut down on the historical movies and books?

The third step is to ask people who know you, what they see as your “one thing”….that thing that stands out, that they see you doing.

I asked Doug.

He said, “make dinner”.

I’ll ask him again.

But I’ll make sure he’s eaten first.

I will find you, nebulous passion thing.

“Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you” Proverbs 24:14