Thought for the Week
Who am I, really? It’s a worthy question to ask yourself on the cusp of a new year. May I suggest you begin by asking two more questions:
- What do I live for?
- What would I die for?
In a sense, as Margaret Atwood puts it, “What am I living for? and What am I dying for? are the same question.” Why? Because, what we would die for and what we live for are determined by what we love–truly love, not pretend to love. And “the things that we love tell us what we are” (Thomas Aquinas).
Some further food-for-thought:
“It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?” ~Henry David Thoreau
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” ~Matthew 6:21
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but with insight one draws them out.” ~Proverbs 20:5
“So make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given to do, and then sink yourself into that.” ~Galatians 6:4 (MSG)
“Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” ~Lauren Bacall
“It is not true that everyone is special. It is true that everyone was once special and still possesses the ability to recover it.”
~Criss Jami
Good question.
Love those quotes.
Thank you, my Anonymous friend.
Lovely quotes, Mitch.
Thank you. I do enjoying curating quotes, Chaya. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Mitch!
Likewise, Chaya!
Good stuff, Mitch. Thoughts like these come to me in the early morning hours.
Me too, Phil.
Lauren Bacall-what insight! 🙂
I particularly like the last quote.
Puns may not be my favorite form of humor… but happy New Year, nonetheless!
What puns are you referring to?
One measure I use is to list and define the kind of people with whom I choose to associate. There were times I was ashamed of whom I called friends. Nothing but evil prevails in such infestations of vermin. Mere common decency is something to appreciate and learn how to live with integrity.
I agree, Carl. Happy New Year!
Inspiration article Mitch!
To answer the questions I live for Jesus and what would I die for? That would be whatever it is that is my fathers will in heaven.
Happy New Year, 2025!
Spot on, Cora. Happy New Year!
A very thought provoking question you have shared. What I am is easier to answer than who I am. I am a daughter, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend, a neighbor and a child of God, to name some things that I am. But who I am, I am not sure of how to answer such a deep question.
Have a happy and blessed new year!
Thank you, Julie, and a happy and blessed New Year to you as well!
˛¸.o•°“°•o.˛¸˛.o•°★°•o.˛¸˛.o•°“°•o.˛¸
★ WiSh y0u And YouR FaMiLY ★
˛¸.o•°“°•o.˛¸˛.o•°★°•o.˛¸˛.o•°“°•o.˛¸
Happy & Healthy New Year!
Love it, and thank, Cindy. Wishing a happy, healthy New Year as well!
‘Love the Bacall quote–valuable encouragement as we get older! Thanks Mitch. / I pray you’re enjoying a delightful Christmas season, and may 2025 be a blessed one!
Likewise — on both counts, dear friend!
Regarding the Jami quote: I am not sure everyone even WAS special, other than being unique. If everyone is special, that’s the same as saying no one is.😉
I reflect, as per what I am doing, at the present…
I am a peaceful person. I want to make this world peaceful!
I do wish that people live with honour. They should proud of their integrity & keep it.
I realise I enjoy living a freestyle life.
I am getting more aware & informed on several arts (music, drawing, movies, writing, architecture).
Happy New Year, to you & your readers!🎉🎉✨
Thank you, Loku, and a Happy New Year to you!
Enjoy that freedom a creativity, and use it to make the world a more beautiful place!
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but with insight one draws them out.” ~Proverbs 20:5
This is beautiful, Thanks Mitch. Happy New Years
Thank you, Jessi, and a Happy New Year to you!
proverbs 45:05 view unto thee & thou shall be saved
Great questions and quotes to begin a new year!
Thanks, Peggy. Blessings in 2025.
Thank you, Mitch, and blessings to you and your family in the new year!
Great article. I always to know whom am I and my purpose here on earth but it’s so hard finding out. 😔😢
It is, Tiaa.
Thank you, Mitch! Amen! Words to live by…a life to die for…a life who died for …us. Your quotes and verses hit straight to the heart. It’s no coincidence my thoughts have been similar. May God be with us all as continue living our lives…on purpose! I’m so thankful for you, my friend!
Amen, Karla, and I’m thankful for you as well, dear friend!
Thank you, Mitch!!!
great thoughts for a year ending a year beginning … Thanks …
My privilege, my friend.
Another way to find out who you truly are is to train for and run a marathon. I did it twice, and each time I found myself about mile 22.
I’m smiling, but I know there’s truth, not just humor, in that statement, David.
i’ve run marathons the last two years at 58 and 59 now training for marathon #3 at 60… and realized I’m not running anyone else’s race, just mine
Way to go! Yes, my running buddies and I used to call out cadence as we trained together: 🎶 “Run your own race, it’s the best. Better than a DNF (did not finish). 🤗
Very perceptive, Pastor G.
Awesome post. Those are really great questions. We all need to spend some time pondering our answers.
Thanks, Tim.
Happy New Year!
Thanks, Hank! (I love typing that ;>)
Pretty insightful post and comments
Thank you, L.G.