LIFE MATTERS

We sometimes focus in on the major events in our lives. The ones that are transformative, life altering. Those moments, those times, that we remember forever. You can probably think of some of those while you read this. That being so, I want to address the other 99% of our time where we really live life. The day to day, down to earth, dust and dirt, seemingly insignificant moments. I think it’s there where the statement “life matters” actually finds its voice, it’s power.

Over the last few years the idea has been hijacked for political or racial purposes. Be that as it may, life needs purpose in order to truly be fulfilled. Life without purpose becomes nothing more than existing, nothing more than striving, nothing more than an arduous plodding toward no meaningful end. Life lived in such a way makes our highs less appreciated, and our lows less tolerated. I think built into every life there is this intrinsic need to feel that “I matter”, “I have worth.” Now I’m not speaking here of the loud, obnoxious boasting in which many people engage. Many times that’s nothing more than one trying to convince themselves, and others of  their greatness. The shallowness of such chest beating can be easily recognized by those who are discerning. To me, feeling that life matters, that MY life matters, is a deeply held conviction, a very personal conviction, that needs to be cultivated, and understood, not proclaimed. There were times in my son’s lives that I would say to them, “if you’re really that good, you don’t need to tell everyone, they will know.”

I heard someone say the other day that the purpose of life is to be happy. I disagree with that because that’s assuming that I’m the center of the universe, and my happiness is the first item on the agenda. Now please know that this is coming from someone who lives a very happy and fulfilled life. But that happiness comes not because it’s my purpose or goal, but because I’ve learned in all my years that happiness is not something life owes me, but something that I extract from life by understanding what life is and what it brings. Instead, I’ve tried to live my life, intentionally with purpose. I believe, then, that happiness becomes a result of that. Happiness as a goal is dangerous because it is, at best transitory, at worst, feckless. Happiness is a weak driver because it can change so easily, so quickly. But purpose is a driving force. Happiness comes and goes, purpose adds stability to our lives. And, in my opinion, that’s what makes life matter. To some the term “life matters” gives place to the thought,……no, to the demand, “what all can I get from life.” But, the purposeful life is asking, “what can I give, and who can I help along the way.”

That, to me, is when life matters.