A time for rediscovering purpose

Joyce Moropoulos especially loved early mornings on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, where she began her 2018 sabbatical. That’s when the executive director of HeartReach Center, a Wasilla nonprofit offering pregnancy testing and information, would pray and meditate, read inspiring books and study Bible passages that have been a source of strength for her.

“This renewed my soul more than any activity that I did,” she said. “I was able to re-connect with my Creator, find renewal in the goodness of life, and be filled up with the relationships that I treasure.”

During the rest of the day on the scenic island, Moropoulos and her husband swam, hiked, kayaked and danced. From there, they traveled to the neighboring island of Oahu to visit family. They celebrated a niece graduating from nursing school, the impending birth of her sister’s new grandchild, and talked “endlessly.”

Travels to Ireland followed — “I would re-visit it a hundred times” — and a business program for Christian apologetics, a defense of Christian belief that helps clarify the gospel message, in Oxford, England. One of 16 professionals invited to attend from around the world, Moropoulos found the program helped her rediscover her purpose in the business world and all that she has to offer her staff and community.

A visit with friends in Scotland brought a chance to tour the countryside and notice how much the Scottish Highlands resemble Alaska, complete with fireweed and forget-me-nots.

The sabbatical inspired Moropoulos to look to the coming decades, with a new focus on intentionally mentoring the person who will eventually succeed her. It was a time to step out of the hectic business world and meditate on her life goals. She learned, she said, to see people and situations with fresh understanding.

“The world becomes a much smaller place, and life truly is about the relationships we value and the gifts we have been given.”