A while back, I heard reference to the parable below - I believe it was by Ryan Holiday (Ego is The Enemy, The Obstacle is The Way) on Tim Ferris's podcast. If I recall it correctly, I've found it (or a similar version of it) on the web. Either way, the point is the same.
Who Are You? And What Are You Doing Here?
Disappointed by his lack of direction and life purpose, a rabbi living in a Russian city a century ago wandered in the chilly evening. With his hands thrust deep in his pockets, he aimlessly walked through the empty streets questioning his faith in God, and his purpose. The only thing colder than the Russian winter air was the chill within his soul. He felt so enshrouded by his own despair that he mistakenly wandered into a Russian military compound off limits to civilians.
The bark of a Russian soldier shattered the silence of the evening chill. ”Who are you? And what are you doing here?”
“Excuse me?” replied the rabbi.
The soldier shouted back, “I said, ‘Who are you and what are you doing here?”
After a brief moment in a gracious tone so as to not provoke to soldier, the rabbi said, “How much do you get paid every day?”
“What does that have to do with you?” the soldier retorted.
With the delight of someone making a new discovery, the rabbi said, “I will pay you the equal sum if you will ask me those same two questions every day: ‘Who are you?’ and ‘What are you doing here?”.
So, who am I and what am I doing here? I’ve been toying with the idea of a personal mission statement for a while, making notes, reading about development and have completed my first draft. It will never be complete as I will refine & edit it as life progresses, but here’s my first shot to share with you all of Who I Am & What I’m Doing Here:
"To remember where I have been, who I am as a new creation and to live my life for the service of others. My life mission is to live humbly and faithfully for God while spending as much time outdoors as possible, sleeping under the stars warmed by campfires and the light in my heart. I am committed to living in faith and spiritual exploration and growth. I will live a simple, minimal life with my focus on a quiet mind, a peaceful heart and a loving spirit. I want to leave a minimal footprint on the planet and environment, while adventuring and exploring as much of God’s magnificent creation as possible, going wherever He takes me to do His work. I will tell stories to encourage and inspire, shed tears to comfort and be fully present in each moment. I will share hope, love, safety & adventure as I go."
I'd be interested to hear who you are and what you're doing here.
