Why do you do what you do? Why did you choose the career that you’re in? Was it the money? Convenience? Necessity? Or is it something that you’re genuinely passionate about?
From the time we’re children, we are told that we can be anything we want to be. And with the mind of a child that has absolutely no limitations, we begin to dream of becoming astronauts, doctors, firefighters and pilots. Of course these dreams change as we grow older and our interests change, but at what point does it become less about our interests and more about simply finding a job?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that at the end of the of the day you have to provide for yourself and your family and you do whatever it takes to make ends meet. But what if it didn’t end there? What if we didn’t limit ourselves to only following one path?
Growing up working in my father’s small investment business led me down the path of entrepreneurship. I opened multiple businesses, from a karaoke style recording studio to a pizzeria. And though I enjoyed my job to a degree, I knew my life was lacking something: I wasn’t passionate about the work I was doing. It wasn’t purposeful.
Making the decision with my wife Amy, to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for those living in motels was the first step towards following something I was truly passionate about and I’m forever grateful that I took it. We didn’t know that it would lead to the Jesus Was Homeless organization, or that it would have such a huge impact on our lives and the lives of those around us; but isn’t it amazing how much more people can accomplish when they are passionate about the work they are doing?
That’s the real reason that Jesus Was Homeless has grown into the successful organization it is today. Our staff and volunteers are passionate about what they do.
They love being able to help people in need and seeing the looks on people’s faces when they are shown a simple act of kindness makes it all worth it.
That’s why we choose to take life giving risks, based on the needs around us, to restore hope and dignity in a broken world. Passion drives us; it makes working hard something that we want to do and not just something that we have to do. THAT is where real results and real progress is made and that is why we continue to fight to serve the poor, the forgotten and those who have no voice
So now here is where I challenge you: find your “why?” Find what makes you spring out of bed in the morning. Find what you are passionate about, the cause that really interests you and sets your heart on fire and take action! It doesn’t mean you have to quit your job and completely start over. Just find ways that you can be a part of making a difference in whatever form works best for you, whether that’s volunteering with organizations, starting your own program, or designating time to pray for those involved.
You never know the kind of impact your actions could have or where they will take you, but can you imagine a world where everyone was passionate about the work they were doing? Imagine how much more could be accomplished!
It all starts with a simple decision: to choose to take a life giving risk, discover your “why?” and chase your passion.