Is your life driven by a personal purpose? Maybe you look at yourself and wonder, "Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life?" Our culture has shifted from a primarily religious one that embraced the idea of a creator God to a scientific one that assumes an evolutionary model of why everything exists. This evolutionary model leaves many people feeling that their whole existence is just a cosmic burp, or even just a random chance. It leaves people feeling that life has no purpose.

The fact is, every single one of us has something to contribute for the good of all. Regardless of your philosophical orientation, there is a reason for you to be here. Finding that reason can give your life structure and even a sense of mission. Having a purpose can make the difference between a lack-luster existence of routine and a joyous sense of the wonder of life.

So just how does a sense of purpose make life worth living? Think about the things you have in your home. If you have, say, a tool or a kitchen gadget, but you never use it, it has no purpose to you. You probably will wind up throwing it away. If you don't, it will clutter up your drawer or tool box until you do decide to throw it away - or until you find a purpose for it.

Our lives are the same. If we lack a sense of purpose and mission, we may feel expendable. We feel like a throw-away member of the human race. In reality, there is much each of us can contribute to the world. You are not without meaning! To discover just what purpose can be your driving force, simply take stock of your interests and abilities.

Just what makes you tick? Is there a hobby or interest that really lights your passion? Do you have a dream deep within? I think if we are honest, every one of us does have a dream. What about the needs of others? Is there anything that really touches your heart and sparks your compassion? Maybe you are extremely moved at the thought of a stray animal that needs a rescuer. Maybe lonely old people or misguided children spark that compassion. Maybe you'd just like to help some single mom keep her car running.

Making a difference in the world doesn't have to be a big thing. You don't have to head up a worldwide orphan relief organization to have a purpose. Just touch the life of one child, and your existence has been worth it. And if your purpose is not being directly involved with people and their lives, there are many other areas in which you can find purpose and meaning. However, a true purpose in life usually means being a blessing or an encouragement to someone else in some way.

For instance, if you can create beautiful flower gardens or grow nutritious vegetables, your gardening might very well be your purpose. If you can make people laugh by telling a good joke, or if you can inspire them with a beautiful piece on the piano, your ability to brighten someone's life through entertainment makes you worth having around.

Don't think for a minute that you're just a cosmic accident that has no purpose for being here. Look up and look within to find that sense of wonder and mission that is uniquely yours.