I’ve listed types of pain in previous posts, this one is fundamental, “Why do I exist?”
That question is as old as humans are. Either we are here for a reason or we are not. The world has plans for us or it doesn’t. God has an interest in you or He couldn't care less. Life is a little better because you are alive or your life matters not at all.
I like to believe we are here for a reason and I think you are free to discover that reason. I think it is valuable to find that reason earlier in life so you can dedicate your life to some good purpose.
I sat with a man this week that started out with a description of his early life, his time in the army and how he finds himself an old man now in his 90s. He said to me, you're born and all too soon you're about done with this life. He was feeling wistful, almost laying in a bed of regret because he hadn’t done more or gone more places.
He spoke little of those that he had helped along the way. In fact, looking to be a blessing to others was far from his theme and story. I decided not to judge him, but maybe in some way learn a little from him.
I don’t wan’t to be like that in my 90’s. He asked me how old I am, and I told him 64. Just a young fella he said. He’d give anything to be 64 again.
That was my question to think about what I’ll say in a few years, will I give anything to be younger? Or will I be so satisfied with what I have done, and who I have lifted up and what I leave behind, that I will not feel that I have left anything undone.
I settled on trying to make life a little easier for others. As one of my mentors, Fred Smith wrote about his mission, To Stretch Others. You don’t give others materials or money as much as you give them inspiration and courage and you shape their lives with your generosity and time.
When I’m 92, I look forward to remembering this blog post and saying to myself I lived they way I intended to, a giver of life, a stretcher of lives.
Your Reason