What’s Your Passion? (Part 6: Indicators)

“Passion: There are some things in life that catch your eye, and then, there are those that capture your heart. Pursue those.” ~ Mary Grace

How do you know what your passion is? Among the things that stir your heart, which one is your true passion?  There are 3 general indicators of passion. The first begins in your mind; the next flows from your heart; and the final one emerges from experience.

The first passion indicator is a dream that will not die. Some people dream about making the world a better place. Others dream of righting a social wrong. Still others dream about meeting a need among a group of people.

Passion from a dream is epitomized by Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. Dr. King spoke from the passion he felt for the poor, the underprivileged and African-Americans. He painted images so real that people could see them happening.  He spoke of his four little children who would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  He talked about white men and black men holding hands in brotherhood and dining together.

Dr. King’s dream was for a social issue – racial equality. But Mother Teresa dreamed of meeting the basic needs – food, clothing, shelter, and medical care – of the poor. Both Dr. King and Mother Teresa didn’t just dream; they took action. They poured themselves into fulfilling their dream. And both gave their lives for their dream – one through violence, and the other through natural causes. Is there a dream you have for a better world? Do you dream about meeting the needs of a group of people?

The second passion indicator is an intense, internal emotional reaction. What brings you deep sorrow? What moves you to tears? What breaks your heart? Or is it something that triggers anger or outrage within you? Conversely, what makes your heart beat faster with excitement? What brings a smile to your face ? What makes your heart tender? What is it that breaks through your tough interior to sensitize your heart?

Nancy is a friend who is brought to tears every time she sees pictures of homeless people. Her passion led her to volunteer in the PADS ministry at church. On cold nights, they provide a safe, warm place to sleep, along with a hearty meal. My son loves being around children. He can’t help but smile whenever he hears them squeal or watches them run around. He helps lead the children’s ministry at out church.

The final indicator of passion flows out of your life experiences. What have been the “mountaintop experiences” of your life? What it is that you wish you could re-live and would want everyone to experience? On the other hand, passion is often found in your “valley experiences.” What have been the most painful experiences of your life where you want to help others survive similar experiences?

As a young leader, my friend Paul was impacted by a Christian man who helped him grow as a leader. Now he does the same thing for younger emerging leaders. Another friend went through a terrible divorce. Now she serves in the Divorce Recovery ministry and helps people heal up from their wounds.

How about you? Do you have a dream that will not die? What stirs a deep emotional reaction within you – either positively or negatively?  And which mountaintop or valley experiences have marked you? Those indicators should point you towards your passion.

©2011 Designed to Serve®