Knowing Your Purpose

Knowing Your Purpose

Written by Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

Everything in the universe has a purpose—from the tiniest particles like preons to the massive, awe-inspiring structures like the Hercules-Corona Borealis. Nothing in creation, known or unknown to us, is without meaning or use. Every piece, every speck, has its place in the grand design. And yet, here we are, often wondering what our purpose is, as if we are somehow exempt from this cosmic truth. The truth is, the Creator has a plan for each of us, but when we become distant and disconnected from that divine umbilical cord—from the womb of the universe itself—it’s hard to see that purpose. It’s like trying to find your way in the dark with no light; you start to believe that everything outside of your connection to the Creator is your destiny, your calling, your reason for being. But that’s just the beginner's realm of existence, a place where we confuse distractions with purpose.

There’s a verse that says, "They plan, and the Creator plans, and the Creator is the best of planners." I love that quote. It’s powerful. Notice the word "is" in that sentence. "Is" is such a simple, yet strong verb. It’s a word that expresses a state of being. The Creator is, meaning the Creator is present, active, and always orchestrating everything around us. The Creator’s plans aren’t distant or passive; they are constantly unfolding, shaping, and guiding us, even when we can’t see it or don’t understand it.

I’m 46 now, and I’ve come to realize just how true it is that the Creator is the best of planners. I didn’t always get it, though. Through years of setbacks, disappointments, mistakes, and yes, even blessings, I’ve learned that aligning yourself with the plan written in your spiritual DNA is the best path forward. Now, don’t get me wrong—this path is not always straightforward. There have been times when I’ve had more question marks circling my head than answers. Life can frustrate you, no doubt. We have such a low tolerance for things that don’t go our way, don’t we? It’s like we’re wired to expect life to unfold according to our blueprint, and when it doesn’t, we’re thrown off.

I’m not here to say that frustration doesn’t happen—it does. But let me tell you, if we can just step back, take a deep breath, and step out on faith, knowing that our Creator is with us through all of life’s complexities, challenges, and yes, even the good times, we’ll realize that it’s all part of a bigger plan. And that’s not just belief—it’s knowing.

I remember going through what I thought was one of the darkest moments of my life. It was the year before Hurricane Katrina, and from that time all the way until 2011, I felt like I was in a storm that just wouldn’t end. I was overwhelmed. The weight of everything pressed down on me like nothing I had ever experienced. There were days I suffered a depression so deep it felt like the Great Depression of the 1930s had come back just for me. I was broken down, questioning, “Why me?” I wasn’t a bad person—at least, I didn’t think so. I didn’t harm others, I wasn’t unjust, so why was I living in such a state of brokenness? And even when everything around me was screaming, “Give up! Walk away!” my heart whispered, “Walk closer to your Creator.” And I did.

I won’t sugarcoat it—those years of hardship were tough. But those same hardships made me a better person. My faith, both in the Creator and in myself, tripled during that time. I still didn’t fully understand what the plan was, but I knew with certainty that the Creator was there, walking alongside me, those extra footsteps in the sand when I couldn’t carry myself. My struggles humbled me, taught me patience, opened my eyes where I had once been blind, and gave me hope where I thought there was none. They made me more cautious with my words and more aware of my actions. I came to realize that my purpose is so much bigger than myself. It’s bigger than a 9 to 5, bigger than material possessions, fame, or status. My purpose is bigger than the physical location I find myself in or the circumstances that surround me.

We can't afford to be caught up in the rat race of life. We can’t continue to devalue ourselves by chasing after things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. When we leave this physical body, what will we have to say for ourselves? More importantly, what will the Creator and the universe have to say about the energy we poured into this realm? I urge all of us not to just strive for the best life in this world—it will pass. Instead, let’s strive to build a healthier relationship with our Creator. Let’s get in tune with the rhythm of the universe.

And so, I dedicate my gift of writing to express to the world for generations to come. Through every word, every reflection, I vow to encourage, inspire, and be a source of motivation—not just for others, but for myself as well. I know, without a doubt, that none of this would be possible if I hadn’t walked through the shadows. Those dark times? They were the chisels that shaped me, the storms that watered my soul, making me who I am today. And now, through these reflections, I aim to share the light that emerged from those shadows, to remind anyone who reads this that no matter how heavy the storm, the Creator is always guiding us through it.

Let’s be honest—we’re all trying to figure this thing out, aren’t we? But maybe, just maybe, our purpose isn’t something we have to find. Maybe it’s already written in the fabric of our souls, waiting for us to recognize it, embrace it, and live it. Because in the end, knowing your purpose is not about chasing something outside of yourself. It’s about discovering what’s been within you all along, placed there by the Creator, ready to be realized in the divine timing of the universe.