Different people discover their purpose in different ways. For some it came in a dramatic way as in having a vision or revelation. For some others it may just be through serendipity. This was the case with Major Dan Rooney. He served as Air National Guard pilot in the U.S army. In-between flights, he was also a PGA golf professional. He seemed to be enjoying the best of life when a chance event jolted him to a different mission. A grieving family who lost their son, Brock Bucklin, in combat had come to the airport to receive his remains which was carried by the same commercial flight Major Rooney had flown that day. Among the family members was Brock’s four year-old son. Compassion gripped his heart and he decided to do more for families of wounded or slain soldiers. He later told his wife of that encounter: “I have a different mission in life now; I am sure a higher power is guiding me.” That led to Folds of Honour, a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships and other educational assistance to the spouses and children of veterans who are disabled or were killed in action.

Different people discover their purpose in different ways…It makes sense to say that whatever or whoever touches your bowels of compassion might be purpose beckoning to you.

By the last count, Folds of Honour has awarded over 52,000 scholarships worth $244 million. In the context of our lead scripture for today, Rooney is spending his life seeking other people’s well-being. Life takes on an even deeper and richer meaning when attention shifts from self to helping others. The amazing work being done by this organization started with compassion. It makes sense to say that whatever or whoever touches your bowels of compassion might be purpose beckoning to you.