Hi Paul,

I believe there is a time in everyone’s life that they come to a situation like yours. A certain “preacher” long ago (Ecclesiastes) and even though he had everything life could offer at the time, he could see it was all vanity. Sometimes I sit at the TV or in the café watching people go about their daily routine, driving and scurrying about as if there is no time left, and I think, what in the world are they looking for?.

As with Solomon some seem to have it made, while others struggle to make ends meet. What good is it striving and living only for all this material wealth in the few short years we exist here, at the end of the day, we all die and what then. We can’t take it with us when we go. Most of the time it cannot be enjoyed, because of sickness or heart attack or stroke or something else, look what’s happening with super and the economy at the moment.

I was awakened to this vanity many years ago, and I think I have told this story previously, An old friend of mine, I called him Uncle Bill, was a bachelor and for many years worked hard for the shire council. He was the most “scrooges” type person you could ever meet; he wouldn’t go out or spend any money for enjoyment or whatever and saved all he made. Bill always talked about and looked forward to his retirement, which after 40 years working with the shire, was presented with a watch for his services and finally left.

I asked him what he was going to do now he was free, he told me that he was going to Melbourne to have a big spend up and start to enjoy life. The next day Uncle Bill took the train to Spencer St and from there a tram into the city. As he got off the tram, he was run over by a truck and got killed.

So from all this, it begs the question, “What does man gain?”  It presents the conclusion that although the employment of human labour and understanding provides satisfaction of accomplishment, the profit achieved by a person is cancelled by death.

We need to work out our priorities, hey?

"Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 12:13) 

Ralph

Paul,

We ALL struggle at times, especially when it comes to determining what to do with our lives and how to make a difference - you're not alone there buddy!

I think you answered your own questions though - you said that you enjoy the times you are 1) in church and 2) get involved with the Alternative Technology Association or dream of an alternative lifestyle.

If these are the things you enjoy, do you need to consider pursuing them more seriously? I believe that every single person has been given gifts or talents to be used to further God's kingdom here on earth and to help others. For some, it may be the gift of teaching, for others counselling, for others the ability to be involved in a particular business or other specific activities. I'll take it a step further and say that I believe that until we actually FIND what it is we've been created for (God's plan and purpose for us), we'll probably feel as though we're 'looking for something' but not know what it is.

I'm only just now (in my 50s) discovering more about myself and my purpose in life and I fully intend to press on with my search until I fulfill what God has purposed for me in this life. I just want to live for Him and do what He wants me to do and that is my prayer each and every day.

It is quite normal to feel as you do, we all go through such feelings but may I suggest (in love)that you seek God first for answers rather than rush out and do what you 'think' or 'feel' is right for you. You said that you want to pursue working in a needs ministry - do YOU feel God is calling you to this? You also said that your clergy are advising that it is a good thing - do THEY feel that God is calling you for this purpose? I'm not saying that He's NOT, just that you need to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

As a start why don't you tell us a little more about alternative technology - e.g. I'm fascinated that you should have such a keen interest in it.

Kindest regards, Urch