A sense of purpose is essential to everything we do, whether we're faced with an important decision, searching for deeper meaning in our lives, or just looking for inspiration. Each of us can probably think of a time when gaining a clear sense of purpose made the accomplishment of a daunting task possible.
Mary Baker Eddy, whose accomplishments for world good were nothing short of remarkable, had an unwavering sense of purpose. But her writings show that she didn't see herself as the only one who could embrace the high Christian resolve such as impelled her life—she invited every willing heart to join with her. In her own words: "... drink with me the living waters of the spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 207
Recently, I've thought a lot about what this invitation might mean for students and faculty at universities and colleges. Does Mrs. Eddy's deeply Christian life-purpose have any relevance to academic life? Although I've been considering this in relation to today's universities, what has actually helped me a lot is the work of a student who lived over ninety years ago, a fellow named Wilfred Cole. The zest with which he took up Mrs. Eddy's invitation has taught me a lot!
