David, you found your purpose out of need. It shows that its never too late to begin one's search.

I, too, came to the spiritual and purpose from a place of need. It was the need to survive my childhood filled with sexual abuse and ritual abuse from my relatives. Spirit saved me. Jesus came to me when I asked him and protected my innocence.

I'm still working on healing from that stuff. I forgiven many family members except one. And I'm working on that. My father who I'm sure was abused too gave me the path that his mother had given him - a life away - free to choice what he wanted. For him it was sailing, boats and being at sea - well Long Island Sound. For me it was acres of farms, orchards, wood and lakes.

Throughout it all I have no regrets. And I have been blessed many times over by Spirit. There are many ways to find one's purpose. Its likely that everyone has been fulfilling their purpose in small albeit unconscious ways all along. Purpose becomes so much more when it enters consciousness. It is then that when imbued with Spirit it can become a mission. Once the work begins on that the connections are uncovered in a bond of love that joins every being whether biological or non-biological.

Thanks for sharing and your unique perspective.