I've come to the conclusion recently that I'm not chasing God. I don't remember what I was thinking or talking about when that thought solidified in my mind, but it was a very clear thought. I'm not chasing God, love, money, people, jobs... none of it.

You see, chasing something implies the thing is running from me. God isn't running from me; neither is love, money, work (maybe some people are, though, who knows). God is present, love is present, joy is present. I simply need to be receptive to what is already surrounding me in abundance.

God does not run from us. I've heard it said that God runs toward us, but I don't believe that either. God running toward us paints the picture that He was in a place away from us to begin with, but God has never been away from us. He has always been right where we are, even when we choose to ignore His presence in our lives.

Am I seeking God? No. I know where He dwells. I am, however, seeking His will for my life. That, I have no firm understanding of at this point. I want to understand what He wants from me and for me. Sometimes, I think I have a grasp on my purpose, and other times I don't think my life has a purpose other than to be lived.

We get so caught up in trying to discover the one thing we're supposed to do with our lives that we miss the point that maybe there isn't just one thing. Not when it comes to God. Honestly, I believe society has created the narrative of finding one thing (career or passion) do devote our entire lives to, and we spend so much time trying to find and pursue that one thing that we miss out on everything else. God is not a limiting Father. I truly believe our purpose... well, let me speak for myself.... I truly believe my purpose is to live abundantly.

God wants me to live an abundant life. I believe that because the Word says it. And right now, I am not living abundantly. I'm stressed, anxious, lonely, in debt, and uncertain. I believe my purpose in life is to learn how to live it in a way that makes use of what God has created. He's created an entire world for me, and He's created me. I'm starting to thing my purpose in life is to stop hiding from it.

I've tried to protect myself from life... from hurt, pain, death. I've held on too tightly to the places, things, and people that make me feel comfortable. I don't leave. I watch other people leave. I watch people I love move on without me because I'm too afraid to let go of the safety rail. I know my purpose right now is overcoming fear.

My purpose right now is being open and receptive to the abundance of life that God wants to bestow upon me. I don't have to chase after any of it. God doesn't require me to chase Him or His blessings. He has them ready for me, for you. We just have to reach for Him with both arms and receive the abundant life He wants to give.

I'm still learning how to live an abundant life. What are you still learning? What is God trying to teach you? What is your purpose in this life? Let me know in the comments.

Be blessed!

-CH