Soul: The Spark Is Not Your Purpose (Psalm 16:11)

In the animated film Soul, we meet Joe Gardner, a passionate jazz musician whose life revolves around his dream of performing on the grand stage. Picture him, hunched over his piano in a dimly lit New York apartment, the weight of his dreams echoing through every note. For years, he believes that his spark—his very purpose—lies in jazz, that singular moment of transcendent connection when the music flows through him. But when he finally lands that coveted gig, something unexpected happens: instead of the euphoria he imagined, he feels an emptiness. He realizes that the spark is not about the achievement itself but about the profound experience of living.

Conversely, we meet 22, a young soul who has yet to find her spark. As she navigates her earthly journey, she discovers joy not in monumental achievements but in the simple wonders of life: the aroma of a freshly baked pizza wafting through the air, the delicate dance of a leaf as it tumbles from a tree, the warmth of sunlight on her face. Each moment becomes a revelation, a glimpse into the beauty woven into the fabric of everyday existence.

The Psalmist reminds us, “In your presence, there is fullness of joy.” Our true purpose is not found in the accolades or milestones we chase, but in the sacred moments that invite us to fully engage in life itself. Joe, so fixated on becoming, missed out on being—on the simple, profound experience of presence. The spark, dear friends, is not merely your purpose; it is your awakening to life itself, to the gifts that God pours out in every fleeting moment. Let us lean into that presence, and discover the joy that is waiting for us in the ordinary.