M - Meaning in Modern America (and Beyond)

mean·ing

/ˈmēniNG/

noun

1. What is meant by a word, text, concept, or action

 The word that sticks out to me most in the definition of ‘meaning’ I posted above is ‘action’. The shooting that happened in Las Vegas on October 1^st has been classified as the worst mass shooting in modern American history. This was an action—a horrific, senseless action—that now holds great meaning in the lives of those directly, and indirectly, affected. This meaning is obviously different for everyone depending on how they were affected by this incident, but a common “side effect” (so to speak) that I believe a lot of people have in common is that we start to question.

We question the motives of others.

We question how someone could be capable of doing something so horrific.

We question our safety.

We question the stability of our seemingly fragile world.

We question our future and the futures of those we love.

We question the meaning of life.

When bad things happen, we start to ask big questions. You would think that these big questions would have big, complex answers, and that these answers would have intimidating requirements or expectations for us to fulfill, but I’ve come to realize that the answer is actually very, very simple, and requires very little from us.

Back in September I went through a bit of a mental rough patch. In an attempt to pull myself out of said rough patch, I ordered four different books from Amazon.com, one of them being Imagine Heaven by John Burke. I couldn’t have started reading this book at a better time; not only did it help smooth out the rough patch I was going through, but it also helped calm my fears and answer all of the things I was questioning in the wake of the Las Vegas shooting. This book answered my question about the meaning of life in a way that brought me so much peace and comfort; it really resonated with my heart. Here is the answer it gave:

“But what is my purpose? How am I supposed to know what God has me uniquely here to do? I think often we make it complicated because we want our purpose to give us identity, but God means it to work the other way around. Moses said it and Jesus reiterated it—to love God is the first and greatest command (our purpose). To love our neighbors (those he puts in our lives) as much as we love ourselves—that’s second. Do those two, Jesus taught, and you fulfill the intent of all the other commands in the Bible.” (Burke, John. Imagine Heaven. 76)

“God has us uniquely here for a purpose—and love is central to that purpose—whatever else we accomplish.” (Burke, John. Imagine Heaven. 76)

“How do we know our unique purpose? It always starts with loving and seeking God, then following his lead to love the people closest to us, and then using the gifts and passions he’s put in us to serve humanity. You don’t need to worry about not fulfilling your purpose; if you seek God and his will, you will live it. But we can’t forget, it’s all about love.” (Burke, John. Imagine Heaven. 77)

It’s all about love. So simple. So beautiful.

In the midst of all the big questions we ask throughout our lives, the fears that arise, or the tragedies that take place, we realize more than ever before what truly matters in life. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or unaccomplished, questioning if you’re doing the right things or fulfilling your purpose in life, etc., stop and ask yourself if you’re exuding love. If you answered yes, then you are already doing your part.

The true meaning of life is love. The rest of life is an amazing bonus, and blessing, from God that is meant to be enjoyed!