The history of St. Patrick’s Day is rooted in a man from the 4th century who changed the direction of his life due to a vision from God.
Patrick, born and raised in Britain, at the age of 16 was captured and enslaved by Irish raiders for approximately 6 years. He eventually escaped by walking over 200 miles to his freedom to the Irish coast before sailing home to Britain.
We can only imagine what that long walk to the Irish coast felt like or what it was like to be at home. The anticipation of seeing his parents. The thought of the comfort of his own bed. Telling his story to his old friends. The joy of finally being free. The anger of losing 6 years of his life. The terror of maybe being captured again. I’m sure all of this had to be part of his reflection and internal struggles.
Whatever Patrick’s ambitions were for when he returned home were redirected by a vision of God, telling him to go back to Ireland. Patrick returned to Ireland 15 years later as a priest to spread Christianity.
Patrick’s return to Ireland almost seems unthinkable knowing that is where he was held against his will, but he recognized through his intimacy with God that he was being called to a different purpose. His past was a roadmap to his future.
Patrick took a tragic event in his life that stole his hope, only to find his life’s purpose to give people hope.
Though March 17 has been secularized over the centuries, it doesn’t prevent us from pausing amid celebration (or finding our green clothes) to reflect on our past events, future choices, and vision for our lives…especially with our approach to work.
- Are we stuck on autopilot with our careers?
- Are our ambitions in line with God’s purpose?
- Do we know our unique purpose in this world?
- Are we pursuing a closer relationship with God to where we can hear His voice and receive our next assignment?
- Are we going at a pace that actually gives us time to be with and delight in God in our daily activities?
- Are we living a life of self-gratification or one that helps others thrive?
- Are we taking the time to reflect on how the traumas of our past can be retooled for greater purposes for the good?
All food for thought and opportunity to grow!
What Patrick did was saintly!
He acted on a vision that went against comfort. He put the need for others before his own. He dedicated his life to giving people hope, not one that is based on a better life on earth, but an eternal home in heaven. This was the Good News! This was genuine love for God and others!
May we all find encouragement through his story to live more lovingly, intentionally, and sacrificially!
May we all pursue sainthood for the Glory of God and unapologetically pursue a relationship with our Lord daily!
May we all live for an eternal heavenly home by the way we live in our earthly home!
If you have stumbled across this post and feel the inclination to do something different with your life’s work and/or work-life, please reach out to me in the contact form. I’d love to support your journey!