Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

How do you know?


Have you ever questioned whether you’ve chosen the right path for your life? Whether relationally, professionally, financially, etc., how do you know when you’ve made the right decision(s)? There are so many things we could do with our lives, so many places we could go/live, so many people we could choose to spend our lives with, a virtually unlimited # of careers we could choose, the list goes on and on... How do you know when you've found your purpose and you’re doing what you’ve been called in your heart to do?

This is something I struggle with sometimes, especially lately, and I'm curious how others answer the question of 'how do you know?' Are you living the life you thought you would? A life you're passionate about? If not, why not? Are you living or simply existing? How do you know?

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

For me, it is a God thing. I think the Lord will lead you to where He wants to you be in your life. The bigger question, again, for me, is do I follow His lead or do I try to take a path of my own.

Trust me brother, there are PLENTY of days when I question whether or not I should be a teacher, but I do receive those subtle reminders every once in a while that God has me doing what He wants me to do as I impact the lives of students.

What, specifically, is troubling you? Call me so we can chat!!!!

- Schrode

Kelley said...

Amen Schrode.

I believe with all my heart, soul, mind and body that God will direct those who seek His guidance. Sometimes He'll give you a nod along the way to reassure you that you are headed in the right directions, but sometimes He is counting on us to walk by faith, not by sight. Psalm 37 says "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." That's a tricky verse though. First we have to delight in Him and seek to follow Him first.

After much prayer, I personally watch where doors of opportunity open. When door after door opens in one direction, I am assured He's nudging me. And delight always follows.

Be blessed photo friend!

Patrick said...

Hi Matt,

Right now I'm going through the same thing. Is it one form of the winter blahs?

Suzanne Behsudi said...

Matt! Please don't leave the Wonderful World of Photography!! Without you, this place will surely lack a certain "je ne sais quois".... besides, you're too good at this to consider not becoming the rockstar you are destined to be one day!

[Just stating the facts]

Marie Q said...

I already told you what I think you need to do.

;)

Your friend in Waxahachie

Kelli France said...

I think sometimes we are more afraid of success than failure. It is scary taking a leap of faith but fear is the opposite of faith.

I find that when I am doing the right thing or the best thing for me or my family, I am peace. God gives you that peace when you do what Schrode said and seek His Guidance and try to do His will rather than your own.

I know you will find success in whatever you do, you just have to find the courage to do the thing that makes you happy and brings you peace, even if it doesn't make sense.

P.S.
I think it's harder for men to pursuit their dreams when there is pressure to bring home the paycheck but everyone knows that when hubby's not happy, nobody's happy.

Matt Nicolosi said...

All,

Thanks so much for your encouraging and insightful words. It's an amazing thing to have people that in some cases I've never even met sharing their thoughts and experiences to help in times of struggle.

Truly a touching sign that God - with all the negative things going on in this world - is still at work and using people to help people.

Bless you all.

BTW, no worries regarding photography... I have no plans to quit making photographs. This post was really really related to other things going on right now.

Lisa said...

Hey Matt,
I hope that you find the clarity you're seeking and that tomorrow is a brighter day:)
Take care,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Matt, the answer for me is simple. My life, the exact way it is today, my husband, my career, my faith...I know that it is right because if I could do it all over again, I would do it exactly the same. Given all the possibilities in the world, save working out a little more, I wouldn't change a thing the second time around. The thing is, we only have one chance, so whatever your concerns are, pray and then go with the answer you are pulled to, you will know if it is right. Don't be too cerebral. You don't want to say that you would have done life differently later on.

Amanda

Anonymous said...

Wow,
What Anonymous said can be echoed.
This question is what drives us.

I believe that we are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing at that moment.

However if you arent aware, I mean really aware of opportunities, or pay attention to what G-d or the Universe is telling you, sometimes a piano has to fall on your head to get it.

I am so sure this is what I want to be doing because it is all that I think about.

I love the learning process and I make my self listen to those nagging voices every day.

Plus, I am NEVER satisfied with what is... meaning. I always want better for myself, my family an my business. Enough to be quiet enough to learn.

Matt Nicolosi said...

Wow... again thank you to those who've left such awesome insights. I'm humbled and at the same time excited by the words you've left here.

I'm not sure why I sometimes make things more complicated than they have to be, so the message of simplicity is a good one.

Thanks so much!

cindygordon said...

Hey Matt! I couldn't make that funeral that you shot last week, but a friend directed me to your site to view the slideshow. Beautiful coverage, I so wish I could have been there.

So as to your question, it reminds me of an awesome Chris Rice song - 8th grade. It's often been a reality check for me. He says:

"Why does the past seem so much safer?
Maybe because at least we know we've made it.
And why do we worry about the future?
When every day will come just the way the Lord ordained it.
You can believe it."

Sometimes I think we live under the illusion that we're in control...but if you're in touch with Him, I believe He's guiding you. And if He wants you to turn, I don't think He's shy about letting you know!

Thanks again for your wonderful coverage of Dustin's going home celebration. Know that you have blessed his family and his friends.

Monica Paredes said...

I think the present moment is what you've been called to do. And that all that came before prepares you for what's to come next.

If you can recognize the miracle of what's in front of you right now, you'll know you've always been on the "right" path.

God has given you so many gifts, I guess it's simply your job to make sure you use all of them. We, as your pals, are just lucky enough to be the beneficiaries of some of them :)

Blessings...

Anonymous said...

I have really enjoyed your blog - until the very last section - I am at work and a rush of complete sadness came over me. I think to answer your question for me is - I do not answer it. For right now, the answer is apparently more than one can handle.