"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

-Eric Liddell

As I sit here at my desk and read this quote for the seventh time. It continues to punch me in the chest, as I let the words hit me time and again. I read the saying aloud one more time and again, I am struck with a life altering truth, that I find my self consistently forgetting: I was made not as a commodity, or simple tool, not to simply do some work then die, not a some cog in a machine. But rather, I was made creatively and beautifully. I was made with purpose and intention. God hand-made me specifically to bring him pleasure.

I remember when I was 18 I had made it to the showcase of a talent competition. I was standing back stage, waiting for my go at charming the audience, while nervously rubbing my hands together and making sure I remembered every note and word I had to play and sing. The act that was scheduled to perform before me stepped out onto the stage. He was a dancer. But I remember even just from the stage right-wing of the theater; I was amazed as I watched the young man come to life as the music started. His feet knew every step by heart, and his hands and body were in perfect unison, hitting every mark on every beat. But the entire dance was almost completely out-shined by the light on his face. As I watched him skillfully and beautifully hit every mark; I couldn't take my eyes off of his face, and the passion it held. And it suddenly occurred to me that, this is what he was made to do. Not simply something he can do, or is supposed to do, but what God had made him to do. It was then I decided, there are very few things more beautiful than watching someone do what God has created and designed them to.

You were made to bring God pleasure, he has made you, as the bible says "fearfully and wonderfully". With specific desires and skills that are made for the sole purpose of bringing your creator pleasure.

So, today and everyday I encourage you to do the things, not that you are obligated to do, or feel that you should do, or even the things you think you are good at, but rather pursue, hone, and practice the things you were made to do. When you do this you will begin to feel God's pleasure.

So, that being said, I'm off to sing at the top of my lungs.