This past week as we settled into our new house and got back into our regular schedule, we spent some time reflecting on the changes that have taken place and the fresh start we can have because of that.  We were encouraged to sit down and write a mission statement or some of our goals for the next few months - or maybe longer.  I've really enjoyed contemplating my mission and purpose - not just until May, but for my life.  I've spent some time the past few days working on writing my purpose, but it has been much more difficult than I would have guessed.  I haven't finished it yet, but when I do I would like to share it on my blog.  Until then, something that has really stuck in my mind lately is a line from the popular song "From the Inside Out" which says "Your will above all else my purpose remains/the art of losing myself in bringing You praise".   I love the wording.  My purpose, more than anything else, is to seek God's will for my life and then do it (maybe I should stick with that as my mission statement!).  And then it's about losing ourselves - but that's not something we naturally do; it's an "art", or something we learn and practice.  I have been dwelling on those words and on many verses as I have been thinking about purpose.   I have looked at many mission statements in the Bible by the disciples and other believers, but I love the clarity and beauty in the mission statements of Christ: "The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10), and "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).  I think the best I can do is see that my mission - my life - goes along with what Jesus' purpose and life was about.  His purpose was/is to find the lost and to offer life in abundance.  There is no purpose, no mission greater than that, and there is nothing more important for me to participate in.  As a follower of Christ, His mission should be my mission - to see the lost are found and to see others experience true life.  I don't have life apart from Christ, which means I shouldn't have a purpose apart from following Him.

John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less.