We recently had an Victory Rally following our “spring training” season for new LifeQuest couples coaches. We invited all alumni of previous groups to celebrate with us. Two of the special people we invited were Stephenie and Todd Craig, a couple very familiar with LifeQuest and our connection to Your One Degree. They could not attend because of another commitment, but Stephenie, a Masters level counselor at Strength of Mind, mother of three active boys, and wife of a busy pastor, sent along a wonderful word of encouragement. With her permission we share her thoughts with you, to underscore what we do in LifeQuest Home Groups. Couples are encouraged to discover and share their strengths, passions, and interests with each other to develop a deep sense of intimacy and shared vision for the future. Stephenie writes:
Dear LifeQuesters,
Understanding how God designed me has been critical in finding purpose and direction in both personal and professional life. Taking time to do personal work through means such as Your One Degree, support groups, counseling, and exploring the Enneagram have provided me with invaluable insight into how I am made. It also helped me sort out the healthy from unhealthy, strengths from weaknesses, and passions from things I do well that don’t fire me up.
As we are attentive to our design, we can begin to narrow our focus to understand where we are best used and what work/ministry feels most fulfilling. As a mental health therapist, this has helped me to set boundaries about which clients I prefer to see and what type of therapeutic work is the best fit for me. When I am working within my green areas, I am more excited about my work which provides a more connected experience with my clients.
We are all capable of doing many things, however, we can get weighed down when we find ourselves involved in too many things that are outside our areas of passion and fulfillment. As we know ourselves, we can learn what things to say yes/no to in order to use our energy wisely resulting in more fulfilling experiences.
This self-discovery process is an ongoing journey and is best incorporated into life when we continue learning and reevaluating our life balance. Having just turned 40, I am currently understanding even more about how God has created me and what I have to offer to kingdom work. How I engage that might look different going forward than it has in the past as I continue to more deeply embrace my purpose and growth. We can always grow and there’s always room to adjust, reset, and try new things as we grow.
I encourage you to take what you’ve learned through your self-discovery so far and continue to surrender your process to Jesus and be open to what more he will do in you. Knowing your design and applying that to life provides helpful direction and fulfillment that can propel you forward more deeply into your true purpose!
Sincerely,
Stephenie Craig
Thank you, Stephenie, for sharing your understanding of the importance of knowing who we are in Christ, and our unique design. Although not hidden, it may take time to discover what God specifically created us to do for His Kingdom. The result is both fulfilling for us, and impactful for our world.
