What is the meaning and purpose of your life?

Author Paulo Coelho in his book, Like The Flowing River,  writes this story:  “ Father Zeca, from the church of the Resurrection  in Copacabana, tells of how, when he was traveling once on a bus, he suddenly heard a voice telling him to get up and preach the word of Christ right there and then. He started talking to the voice. “They’ll think I’m ridiculous. This isn’t the place for a sermon,” he said to himself. But something inside him insisted that he speak. “ I’m too shy, please, don’t ask me to do this,” he begged. The inner impulse insisted. Then he remembered his promise – to surrender himself to all Christ’s purposes. He got up, cringing with embarrassment, and he began to talk about the Gospel. Everyone listened in silence. He looked at each passenger in turn, and very few looked away. He said everything that was in his heart, ended his sermon, and sat down again. He still did not know what task he fulfilled that day but he was absolutely certain that he did fulfill a task.”

How many of us know the purpose and meaning of our life in this world? I remember my nephew, that when he was growing up he didn’t know the true meaning and purpose of his life. One day, before his graduation in high school, a friend  gave him an application for the SVD order. On that day, he realized that he wanted to become a priest. “ I realized  that my true purpose and meaning of life is to serve the Lord. There are many those who are called but few are chosen. I am one of those who are being called.” My nephew is now in Germany serving the Lord.

The  My World in a  Nutshell website commented: “Most of us search at one point in life for its meaning and purpose. Some do it when they enter a new phase in their life. Others start looking when they are faced with challenges that alter their life. I feel that the first thing we have to figure out is what is important in our life. It starts with self-awareness.  Self-awareness will help to focus and figure out what the real purpose of our life is. Why are we here and what are we supposed to do?  What legacy do we want to leave behind? How do we want to be remembered?”

Writer Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, Ph.D. has also her own view  regarding this matter, “ Many people contact me for guidance to find their true purpose and meaning of life. One’s purpose and meaning in life is both philosophical and spiritual. This concept can be expressed in a variety of questions:  “Who am I? Why am I  here? What is life all about? How do I fit in?”

In fact, Robert Louis Stevenson expressed this thought, “To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.” 

What then is your purpose and meaning of your  life? Here’s something to ponder on  from the Stop Procrastinating & Start Living website, “Scientific studies have demonstrated that the meaning and purpose in one’s life is vital for the maintenance and enhancement of one’s physical, psychological and mental well-being. Without meaning, purpose or drive, our chances of happiness, peace and true joy are reduced.”

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