By Tricia Murphy

Erwin McManus once said that there are no practice moments in life. Every moment matters and brings eternal significance. I have been pondering what living with purpose really means to me personally. What will my purpose statement include?

I just watched more than a thousand college students walk across a stage and receive a diploma that in essence says they have finished their current season of higher education and are ready to go out into the world and “live with purpose”. I couldn’t help but wonder what that means to them personally as young 20-somethings.

I observed first-hand the emotions both high and low during this bittersweet week of endings, celebrations, goodbyes, unknowns, move-outs, new beginnings and fresh starts. Hidden behind all the parties and smiles, I believe most of them are scared to death by the reality of putting into practice all they have learned inside and outside the classroom.

They have questions, such as…

Is it really over?

What is next?

Do I have to get a full-time job?

Did I pick the right major?

What if I don’t meet that special someone?

How do I know what God’s plan is for my life?

Where will I live in a month? A year? 10 years?

Will I really use what I learned in math class?

Will my parents let me move back in?

What is my purpose in life?

Being almost 30 years ahead, I can embrace them with all their questions and fears and assure them that God hears every question, every worry, every anxious thought, every concern. He hasn’t abandoned them just because they are unsure of what should or could come next.

It’s not really about what they will do for work or who they will marry or where they will live. It is about eternal significance. If there aren’t any practice moments, and every moment matters, will this next moment bring positive or negative eternal significance?

Tricia Murphy is GO director at Green Bay Community Church