Purpose in Life

I think back at times and wonder just why God led me to where I am and what I am doing right now with my life.

I guess first I need to explain just what I am doing with my “golden years” as most would call them. I am 66 years old and have been retired since I was 63. I really thought I was going to enjoy this time of my life doing exactly what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. God had different plan for my time in the years I have left.

The thing about this is, I’m not complaining. I understand this is my purpose and why I am still living and breathing. I’m not going to tell you it is easy, because it is not.

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My son came to me after years of us being apart, living in different cities and states and said Mom I want to start a clubhouse. He did this because he wanted to come home and live in the same state closer to his mother. How do you say no to that? You don’t and I didn’t. What I did wind up saying no to, by saying yes to him, were my “golden years”. Again, I’m not complaining, I know this is my purpose being led by God.

Learning the knowledge about the nonprofit world, how it works and what it takes to start a nonprofit was my first hurdle. The art of fundraising, and getting people to follow you and support your cause is not easy at all. To say that there are days that I get really frustrated is an understatement. Everyone around me says that it is normal and that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself, but I don’t know how to do that.

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I have a lot of people depending on me to provide them with a clubhouse where they can come and build relationships with like-minded people. Where they can come and do meaningful work which helps to build their confidence and helps them return to their communities with dignity.

As I look back and reflect on today, I can’t thank everyone enough that noticed I was feeling somewhat "off." They really helped. Everyone gets in a funk and has their bad days, but you don’t have to stay there. Members of the clubhouse told me what a good job I am doing. That really warms my heart. It makes what I am doing worth it and shows me I am doing the right thing by those living with mental illness. All of us want to feel good about what we are trying to achieve.

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

​Clarice G.