Meaning to Life

April 14, 2012

As I sip on my morning cup of coffee and listen to the intense quiet of the woods that I’m blessed to call home, my own soulful longings remind me of the great truth that every human heart is primarily driven by the same powerful urge. We all want to find a meaning to life. This desire to find the purpose of life is not simply a passing thought that occasionally enters our consciousness. While it is true that you may be aware of your search for meaning only occasionally, it’s always there just below the surface.

“What meaning of Life?” some might say. How about sex, or money, or power? And how about love, compassion, and care for our children? Aren’t these powerful motivators as well? Of course the ability of these and many other factors to motivate all types of behavior is undeniable. However, from my perspective all of these additional types of motivators are merely segregates attempting to fill the hole in our soul that is our desire to find meaning. Other motivators beyond this desire are secondary not primary. They’re offshoots from the main artery that is an ever-present desire to find our life’s purpose so that we can add meaning to life.

So what is the purpose of life? From my point-of-view the answer to this question is contained in a magnificent paradox. Finding life’s purpose is exactly the same for everyone and totally unique in every case. The sameness rests in the reality that each of us is created with a set of gifts and talents that we’re called to use in the service of others. Now what that service looks like and where and when it occurs is totally unique.

The sun is up now and as I finish writing this blog post I’m filled with a sense of deep gratitude, thankful to the One who designed me and Calls me to serve as an instrument in the service of others. I pray that I will not be distracted today from the main artery.