This is a true story. (If you choose it to be.)
There are lots of men out there, but Bill is not your average guy.
Bill has decided to live intentionally. That involves a focus on both faith and purpose, trusting God in all things, and then doing his best, one day at a time. He has thought about his priorities over the long term and documented them in a life plan, and he devotes time each week to those areas.
The Life of “Not Your Average Guy”
Bill chose his vocation because it fits him, and he works hard and does his best. He has boundaries, so he “works smart” on important tasks and puts less effort on non-critical email and meetings. Bill also spends time developing his skills and thinks about how his faith should affect his work.
He loves his wife, and his marriage is very important to him. He knows he’s not perfect, but he keeps working to be the best husband he can be. Bill greatly enjoys spending time with his kids, mostly just having fun, but also looking for opportunities to teach them a bit about life.
Bill likes to have fun, and he has good friends he enjoys hanging around with. They play their share of golf and also get together once a week as a men’s group. He has learned he can be vulnerable with these guys, sharing the bad times as well as the good, and letting them see the real Bill.
Each morning, Bill spends time alone reading the Bible, talking to God, and thinking about how life is going. Some days, there is self-examination: he knows he has issues—we all do—but he faces up to them so he can get better. Other days, he just enjoys trying to hear what God has to say.
Bill’s spirituality is in everything he does, because it is part of who he is. Since he first surrendered to God years ago, life has been an adventure to see God working in everything. He feels deeply thankful for the blessings in his life. Out of that gratitude, it seems the least he can do to help out at the homeless shelter and serve as a greeter at church each Sunday.
Bill likes knowing what things really matter in life and appreciates the special moments that come along each day. And he enjoys the contentment and satisfaction living that way brings.
The Rest of the Story
Bill doesn’t feel the angst many men feel about significance because he sees purpose in the things he does each day. There are bad days, and tough trials come along, but overall life is good.
And, as he gets older, each new season in his life takes on its own special meaning.
He missed the kids when they moved away, but enjoyed doing even more things with his wife. He set new personal development goals and blocked out time to learn from good blogs and online training material. Plus, it gave him the chance to devote more energy to the homeless shelter.
Later, after considering his life plan, Bill retires from his job. And soon finds himself busier than ever! More golf, some travel, but also longer quiet times in the morning and half-days helping at the shelter. And—why not?—getting started writing that book he has been thinking about.
Then, he is old, but life is still good. He has time for more good books, being with friends and family, and getting even deeper into his spiritual studies. Knowing that there is something—an eternal something—that comes later is comforting, and these quiet times bring peace and contentment.
And then he dies. And that’s okay.
Not the End
Question: What things about the way Bill lives seem attractive for you to consider in your life?
Action: Reread the STEPS Journey Blogs on “Your Average Guy” and “Not Your Average Guy.”
[Go to the third of four articles in this series.]
