Travel the Purpose Path

[G]reat education is not only about getting a job or training for a career, and it is not about mere literacy—it is about preparing a great soul to live his or her great purpose in life. 
—Oliver DeMille, Hero Education

 Among my own people, I was called Jehanette; since my coming into France, I am called Jehanne.

 I was born in the village of Domremy. My father’s name is Jacques d’Arc, my mother’s Isabelle. As long as I lived at home, I worked at common tasks about the house, going but seldom afield with our sheep and other cattle. I learned to sew and spin: I fear no woman in Rouen at sewing   and spinning.
 
 As to my schooling, I learned my faith, and was rightly and duly taught to do as a good child   should.

 From my mother I learned “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and “I believe.” And my teaching in my   faith I had from her and from no one else.

 Once a year I confessed my sins to our parish-priest, or, when he was unable, to another with   his permission. And I received the sacrament of the Eucharist at Easter time. 
                           --Joan of Arc: In Her Own Words, Willard Trask, compiler and translator
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Who would guess that this ordinary young woman, Jehanette d’Arc, would one day lead the armies of France to liberation from the English and restore the French king to his throne?  She began by developing unique gifts and talents, by deciding to listen to her “angels,” by dreaming about what could be accomplished with their help, acting on that vision, and dedicating herself to “create the change” she needed to make in the world. 
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Is there a change we wish to see in the world?  Are our children or students longing to make a difference?  As we study, and apply what we have learned, we prepare ourselves to travel a path of purpose for the rest of our lives. 
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Develop
First, we choose to develop gifts and talents, skills and characteristics, of great people who have come before us.  Then we choose to go further in improving ourselves and our world.  Where do you excel?  What do you enjoy?  Who can help you better yourself?  These questions lead us to our purpose and to mentors who can help us develop the qualities we need to fulfill our purpose. 
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If you or your students are not sure about your Purpose Path, surround yourselves with a rich environment, try lots of new activities, and cultivate many diverse experiences.  What calls to you?  What makes you happy?  What are you passionate about?  What fills you with resolve and a feeling of usefulness?  These are clues to your life purpose.  Develop it.
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Decide
Next, we choose an area which will become our focus.  And if we have more than one area we feel the need to focus on, ask ourselves how we can combine them.  Maybe I love nature, but also love to write.  Shall I be a poet?  Or a science journalist?  I love math and art?  Maybe graphic designer or architect.  How can I best share my talents and passions? 
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Once we make some decisions, we begin to educate ourselves and others for a purpose.  And we can always change our minds or refine our focus as we continue along the path.  Decide.
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Dream and Do
Now, we have fun dreaming and doing.  What if I could live my dream life?  What would it look like?  What would it include?  What do I need to do to make that happen?  Who could help me to make it happen?  Make a list and start acting on the list. 
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Sometimes we just need constant application and practice to refine our skills and give us confidence to move forward.  Other times, specific classes or mentors can help us learn more and excel in our chosen field.  Dream what you want to know, feel, and do.  Then act on your dreams. 
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We will  probably not have to sacrifice our physical lives, like Joan, to travel our path of purpose.  But we will have to sacrifice.  However, think of what goodness is created by people who dedicate themselves to a true purpose-filled life! 

​Dedicate
Finally, we choose to dedicate ourselves to our Purpose Path.  We may not know exactly what it is yet, but we can commit ourselves to making choices based on our understanding of the path we need to follow.  Or we may be well on our way to walking our own individual path of purpose.  Either way, dedication to the Path gives us focus, refines our studies, and urges us to move forward, excelling in being our unique selves, as we share our gifts with others.

Young Jehanne d’Arc was so dedicated to her Purpose Path that she allowed herself to be sacrificed to further her life purpose.  But even though she faltered at one point, she quickly revoked her abjuration and remained dedicated until the end.

                If I were at the place of execution, and I saw the fire lighted, and the faggots catching
                and the   executioner ready to build up the fire, and if I were in the fire, even so I
                would say nothing   else, and I would maintain what I have said at this trial until death.

                 I have nothing more to say.
                                --Joan of Arc: In Her Own Words, Willard Trask, compiler and translator

We will  probably not have to sacrifice our physical lives, like Joan, to travel our path of purpose.  But we will have to sacrifice.  However, think of what goodness is created by people who dedicate themselves to a true purpose-filled life! 

Traveling the Purpose Path will infuse you with joy and peace, knowing you are blessing society and yourself as you use your gifts and talents to better our world.