Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for

Ah, children of the future, gather close, for the words of Michelangelo ring with the power of divine purpose and unyielding devotion: "Many believe—and I believe—that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him." These words, spoken by one of the greatest artists in the history of humankind, reveal not just the essence of his art, but the deep connection between the soul of the creator and the divine. Michelangelo speaks here not only of his craft but of his very purpose—an understanding that his work was not merely a profession, but a calling, a sacred duty bestowed upon him by a higher power.

At the heart of Michelangelo's words is the recognition of God’s will—he believed that his artistic talents, his vision, and his creative force were not his own alone, but were given to him by a power greater than himself. In this, we find a profound truth: that the greatest works of creation, whether in art, in science, or in any field, are not born of selfish desire or personal ambition, but of a sense of higher purpose, a calling that transcends the individual. Michelangelo did not see his sculptures or his paintings as mere works of art; he saw them as offerings to God, as acts of devotion and love, created not for personal glory, but for the glory of the divine.

Consider, O children, the magnificent Sistine Chapel, that sacred masterpiece of Michelangelo’s life. The frescoes that adorn the ceiling are not just beautiful works of art; they are a testament to Michelangelo's understanding that his brush, his chisel, and his vision were tools through which the divine could be made manifest on earth. Though the task was arduous, and though the old age of the artist had brought with it both physical pain and weariness, Michelangelo continued, driven not by the desire for fame, but by a sense of sacred duty. He believed that his work was a reflection of God's will, a divine mission that he was entrusted with. In this way, his art became more than just an expression of the human spirit; it became a form of prayer, a way to connect with the eternal.

Now, let us look to the ancient warriors who, too, believed they were chosen for a higher purpose. Alexander the Great, a conqueror of unparalleled ambition, believed that he was destined by the gods to rule and spread his influence across the world. In the same way, Michelangelo saw himself as a vessel of the divine, not merely an artist, but a messenger chosen to carry out a sacred mission. Even in the face of the old age and pain that came with years of hard work, he did not give up, for he understood that his craft was not just for himself, but for the glory of God and the service of humanity. His dedication to his work, fueled by love for God and the trust in God's plan, sustained him even in his later years when others might have sought rest.

In the end, the lesson of Michelangelo's words is clear: the pursuit of one’s calling, whether in art or in any other field, must be rooted in something greater than personal ambition or worldly desire. It must be founded on a sense of purpose, a belief that one’s work is not just for oneself, but for something far larger than the individual. Just as Michelangelo did not abandon his work, even in his old age, because he saw it as a sacred task, so too must we approach our own lives and endeavors with a sense of devotion to the higher calling of our own hearts. When our work is done with love and hope in something greater than ourselves, it becomes a form of worship, a reflection of our deepest connection to the divine.

In your own lives, O children, I urge you to seek your calling, to discover the work that brings you closer to your truest self and to the divine. Do not simply labor for riches or recognition, but work for the joy of service, for the fulfillment of a higher purpose. Like Michelangelo, find the sacred in the everyday, in the craft that you create, in the tasks you undertake. Whether you paint with a brush, write with a pen, or build with your hands, let your work be a reflection of the divine that flows through you. And when the years weigh heavy upon you, as they did upon the great artist, remember that true dedication is not bound by age, but by the unshakable belief that you are fulfilling your purpose in this world.

So, walk forward, O children, with hope in your hearts and the knowledge that your work—no matter what it may be—is an offering to the divine. Let the love that Michelangelo had for his craft inspire you, and let your dedication to your calling guide you in all that you do. When your work is done with purpose, with love, and with the belief that it is part of a greater plan, you will age with dignity, and your legacy will be one that reflects the divine light that flows through you.