That’s a question that I struggled with growing up. I felt my purpose was defined mostly by external factors, such as meaningful work, the right relationships, and a nice home. And if, for one reason or another, any one of these things was lacking, I would feel discouraged and without a clear sense of self-worth or direction. I would then put a lot of effort into finding, or trying to reestablish, what I thought was missing in my life. This approach brought a lot of disappointment and frustration. 

Later, through my study of Christian Science, I learned that we can discover our purpose by looking “deep into realism instead of accepting only the outward sense of things” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 129). I understood this to mean that we look to an understanding of God and our individual relationship to Him. We are God’s creation and, as such, express qualities such as peace, harmony, clarity of thought, and joy. These qualities always find their right expression in our work, our homes, our relationships, and our communities. They constitute our spiritual nature as God’s children and enable us to fulfill God’s purpose for us.

I was moving forward with God’s guidance and therefore at God’s pace.