THE MEANING OF LIFE

The Meaning of Life. Imagine publishing anything with so lofty a title. There have been a number of books published with that very title, even one by George Lucas. Be assured, this post is not the treatise on the definitive meaning of life for everyone, nor is it a review of the Monty Python movie. It’s just me thinking.

Odd as it may seem, I found myself pondering the meaning of life as I folded my underwear. I am of the opinion that life’s too short to fold the socks, and by extension the underwear, but sometimes I find such activity therapeutic. Some people self-medicate or meditate. Others clean. I fold.

What am I living for? I wondered. When I was younger, the answer was a no-brainer. Finish school, raise my son, make a living. In between, I partied. Life in a nutshell.

But now, at this time in my life, approaching 70, I wonder if I’m living the fullest life that I can, because I’ve kinda run out of steam. You would think that the downhill side of life (as in, “over the hill and down the other side”) would literally be smooth sailing. Perhaps it is for some. Not me.

I published my book. I seek no further fame. I have little energy or enthusiasm to work on the various other manuscripts I have on file. Would that I did! Writing has always given me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

I have a friend . . . little more than an acquaintance, really . . . a sweet and generous woman with whom I speak once or twice a week. It seems to me that her life consists of going to the gym, reading books, and watching movies. She is older than I, so she also naps. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) She seems genuinely content with her life, but I wonder if she ever asks herself, “Is That All There Is?” (Cue for you to break into song here.)

Some of the people in my community pass their days keeping busy: playing mahjong, shopping, eating out. Others merely sit in their houses and watch TV, barely getting outside to walk once in a while. Getting the mail is the highlight of the day. Going through the motions. It’s easy to fall into that trap. In fact, I have to push myself to go out sometimes.

While I do love watching movies and reading books, I want more than movies and books and naps. But what DO I want? Travel? No. Money? I have enough. There are three things, however, that I covet: Youth, a full head of hair, and George. Here with me. Inasmuch as those things are unobtainable, except maybe for the hair, I contemplate. And not just about the price of Rogaine®.

Now, a week later, I’m still contemplating. What am I missing?

In the book of Matthew (6:25) Jesus says, “Do not be anxious for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” In Luke (12:23) it simply reads, “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.”

Yes, I believe that’s true. Although I know some people who live as though it isn’t. Food is everywhere! One cannot, it seems, have the simplest gathering without food being present. I think we all focus on food way too much. Does the word obesity mean anything to you?

And clothing? My sweet, generous friend comes to mind. She has a boat load clothing, and has decided to clean them out and donate to a worthy cause. Great! In fact, Americans donate so much clothing to charity, that much of it goes overseas or is sold for rags. Check out this article from The Atlantic. Ten million tons go into landfill. I’ve heard women say they have clothes they have never worn to give away. Do you have way more clothing than you’ll ever need? I have a rule about mine. If I purchase an article, one from the closet has to go. I’m wearing clothing so old that when I see a picture of myself from ten years ago wearing what I wore yesterday, I cringe. Holy socks!

However, I must confess, I have seven pairs of Skechers shoes. I love ‘em. But, I digress.

Presently, I am enrolled in two art classes and two Bible studies. These nourish my soul and my spirit. Such activities also afford opportunity for fellowship and relationship building. If you’ve read some of my past blog posts, you know how I feel about relationships. Suffice it to say, I believe they are vital, although they are often difficult. People bring their brokenness and old baggage to the party.

One of the things we did in our Tuesday morning Bible study was to write a purpose statement. What is the Purpose of My Life is probably a better title for this post. After prayer and meditation, I discovered my purpose is not so grandiose as winning the Nobel, publishing every year, or painting a masterpiece. It occurred to me that I was looking for the meaning of my life as it applies to eternity.

I refuse to fill my days with activities for the sake of activities. I will not spend my time acquiring material things. Neither will I chase after entertainment.


I want to influence the younger generation. To tell them of the wonderful works of the Lord. It may not be the mission field of Africa or some inner city ghetto, but it’s my mission field. That includes my grandsons and the children I love on in Sunday School. No more "Going Through the Motions."

If you have not done so, dear reader, and you find yourself wondering about your life, perhaps you might consider writing a Purpose Statement. And I hope it's more meaningful than that which the Preacher suggested in Ecclesiastes 8:15.

There is nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry.

Lest you believe that's the take-away line, I thought it prudent to add that in Ecc. 12:13, Solomon concluded with these words: Fear God, and keep His commandments. For this is the whole duty of man.