what is my life really about?

What is my life about? I hope that the answer to this question is evident to everyone who knows me or has spent time with me.

These questions* challenge me to honestly evaluate if I'm living my life accordingly. Take a moment to see what the answers to these questions say about your life.

1) For what do you sacrifice money?
2) When you're hurt, where do you go for comfort?
3) What disappoints you or frustrates you the most?
4) What is it that gets you really excited?

Here is my best attempt at answering these questions for myself:

1) For what do you sacrifice money?
Show me your bank account, and I'll tell you what you value. Money is a necessary part of life, although I wish I didn't have to depend on it so much. I have always sought out jobs that are meaningful and something that I believe in. This usually falls into the nonprofit category, meaning that I don't make a lot of money. But I have chosen to live simply so that I can pay my bills and still give generously. I strive to support my church/ministry, community, and friends. I like to have the ability to give if needs arise.

2) When you're hurt, where do you go for comfort?
In recent months, I think that I've tried to distract myself from hurt by going out with friends and trying to forget what I'm going through. Ultimately, that doesn't heal my heart or solve my problems. So I end up turning to God, usually in tears. I am so grateful for wonderful family and friends who have helped me process my thoughts and emotions during difficult times.

3) What disappoints or frustrates you the most?
I am disappointed when things don't turn out the way that I had hoped or expected. That is why I was a pessimist for so long. I didn't want to get my hopes up if I would only feel crushed when things didn't work out. In light of some recent hardships, I've chosen to daily give up my expectations and hopes to ask God what He wants from my life.

4) What is it that gets you really excited?
I am most excited when I am talking about the transformation that Jesus has done in my life, especially in this last year. I also come alive when I spend time with the girls that I mentor, hearing their hopes and dreams, listening to their prayers. I also love when I am able to help someone in the community get connected with a resource needed, especially when it's related to education. I believe that my God-given purpose/calling in life is to be a voice for those who don't have a voice. To be an advocate, especially for the immigrant and refugee. So I am full of excitement when I am living out my calling in life.

I am trying my best to live an intentional life. I want my every action to reflect what I value and what I prioritize in my life. I hope that these questions can also challenge you to live a more intentional life.

*Questions found in Not a Fan. by Kyle Idelman