Let’s approach an age old question or an ancient exploration in today’s blog. Some say that they are looking for meaning in life, or purpose. More specifically, many ask, “Why am I here?” “What’s my purpose in life?” It is a quest we all eventually come to in life; the search for significance. This hunt can be complicated by the fact that many of us do not know what it means to have significance; what makes you or me important or influential. Far too many of us erroneously think that our significance is primarily determined by the things we have around us (i.e. the type of car, house, or clothing that we own), our social status, beauty, wealth, business success, level of education or even the level of approval we gain from others. If we really thought about the fleeting nature of such things that can be “here today and gone tomorrow”, we should then realize that it would be foolish to tie the entire weight of “my life’s purpose” to them. The special meaning for our existence has to be something deeper and perhaps less tangible than material things. Correcting this mentality is critical because what we think about our “reason for living” will undoubtedly affect our sense of self-worth, motives and our goals in life.
I am not claiming to be some type of expert or guru on the “meaning of life”, but simply taking the opportunity to share my own observations on how simple the answer seems to be. Yes, I believe we were all put here on the earth with specific purpose, meaning and significance. I have also noticed that we each were born with special gifts, talents and abilities that may or may not have to be developed. We were created in such a wonderful image with such awesome functions that surely we have to be designed to share it all with someone else! If I have integrity and moral character; if I develop my gifts and abilities in ways that capitalize on the good that is in creation- haven’t I given my life over to significance?
Think of the weight, the importance, the influence or special meaning your life would have if you shared the ability to make someone else laugh. What about helping someone be the best that they can be; encouraging someone to love again; teaching someone to smile through their tears; being strong where someone else is weak; inspiring someone else to enjoy the life they have; sharing today and yes, even eternality with someone. Could it be that significance is really tied to how we give of ourselves to others? Perhaps the biggest “Me” question we have has nothing to do with “me”. Maybe the answer to significance is in the realization that it’s not about me anyway. A thought I think is worth considering.
Kevin and Rochelle Rhodes
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