Not everyone is a type-A planner. We know this. But we also know that as women who run companies, support charities, raise children, and keep households afloat, having a plan is how we make things happen. We crave plans because they offer us a delightful illusion of control. If I know what to do to make this right, maybe I won’t worry about what could go wrong? Right? Wrong.

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that control is an illusion and plans are never concrete. They’re more like a map drawn in the sand on a windy day. Both as individuals and as a company, we’ve had to pivot and slow down and rethink how we serve, how we run, and how we facilitate community.  We’ve had personal setbacks and slowdowns to face and re-navigate. And like you we often feel like, “what’s the point?” Is it even possible or worthwhile to make plans with the way the world is right now? 

While we can’t offer a fail-proof solution to these questions, we do want to shift the conversation a bit.

What if we started focusing more on our purpose and less on our plans? What is the difference between plans and purpose?

That’s exactly the real talk we’re having this week. Just as He has for us, we’re hoping God is prompting you to shift the paradigm from “what do I need to do” to “how do I need to approach what I’m already doing?” Don’t just ask, “what is my work to do?” Ask, “what is my purpose in the work that I’m doing?” 

This isn’t an invitation to sit idle and not make goals or set expectations for yourself, your work, and your family. But it is an opportunity to let some of the pressure off in a time that we desperately want control but don’t have it. It’s a chance to live with more anticipation than anxiety. It’s an open door to see what God wants to do in you and through you, neither of which hinges on how well you execute your plans.

Our ultimate purpose is, of course, to follow Jesus and live lives that point others to him. But I believe there is a specific, handcrafted, creative purpose for each of us too, one that God is on the edge of his seat to reveal to his daughters! And that purpose isn’t in contrast to your plans and work. It’s an incredible compliment to it.  When pursued on God’s terms, purpose weaves its way into the work you’re already doing. Finding purpose doesn’t always mean a huge life shift or change. Purpose isn’t a singular, major moment of revelation or an X-marks-the-spot of where you’re supposed to arrive. Purpose in this life, in God’s way and on God’s terms, is a continual uncovering of next steps, next adventures, next lessons to learn and causes to hold compassion for. Even if you find yourself in a conventional job or role that doesn’t feel like it carries much godly purpose, rest assured, it does! You are where you are first and foremost to love, interact with, and receive clients, co-workers, bosses, etc. as Jesus would. You’re there, second, to do your job. 

There is such relief in this! No matter what you choose to do, how you succeed or fail, you can’t screw up God’s purpose of using you for your good and his glory. He’s got it! The ultimate good that comes in our lives isn’t going to be because we put it on the calendar or crossed it off a to-do list. It’s going to come from trust in God’s purposes beyond our own and in the patient enduring of the day to day; in the courage to take one small step forward without knowing the next five; and in being brave enough to move into unsure spaces with sure faith.