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My daughter asked me this recently. I thought I'd post it under religious chat because you have to believe in purpose to understand the question.

I told her that no one could tell her and that she would probably spend most of her life trying to find the answer to that question...but that it is a good question and one worth looking into. I know I'm still trying to figure it out. And getting a few good laughs for my efforts.

koan wrote: My daughter asked me this recently. I thought I'd post it under religious chat because you have to believe in purpose to understand the question.

I told her that no one could tell her and that she would probably spend most of her life trying to find the answer to that question...but that it is a good question and one worth looking into. I know I'm still trying to figure it out. And getting a few good laughs for my efforts.


The absence of life is death. Without life we wouldn't be having this discussion. Living things require order. God has given order to his living creation. We are a part of that order. It is our mission to find our place in that order and apply ourselves to it in a way that brings strength and vibrancy to God's creation. It isn’t what we do that matters, it is who we become that matters. Our purpose is the reenactment of God's love to the best of our ability. As we receive God’s love and let it flow through us we become who we are to be. It sound easy but it requires letting go of our control and that isn’t easy.

A very difficult question. Can be answered only in bits and pieces depending on the situation and the intended purpose.

Clint,

Thank you for making that last point. I used to be a control freak (in my own life, not over others) and always felt the need to have a detailed plan. It took many years for me to be taught that my plans are secondary and I was placed in circumstances where I had to give up trying to control. Everything I tried to do was blocked. This was at the time of my divorce and I suddenly ended up having to leave town to work, bring my daughter with me and put all my stuff in storage because my house was sold and I had no time to find a place to live before I left town. Essentially, I became homeless with a child. I did not find a nanny I did not find a place to stay when I came back and I did not find the out of town job that saved my butt. All these things were given to me. With only moments to spare. All I did do is open myself up to the universe and trust that we would be taken care of. This was not a horrible time in my life. This was probably one of the most incredible and reaffirming spiritual experiences that I have had on a survival level. I think back to it whenever worry starts to work its way back into my life. This was also the time in my life when I learned to ask for help...and accept help. Not an easy thing to do when you are fiercely independent.

Suresh,

My daughter only asks difficult questions. Keeps me on my toes.

Clint wrote: It is our mission to find our place in that order and apply ourselves to it in a way that brings strength and vibrancy to God's creation.
Bravo!!

I think I can agree with Clint on that one. A good way of putting it.

Shalom

Ted :-6

koan :-6

Sometimes kids ask the most difficult of all questions. Her question is one that has been asked for millenia and many folks find their answers in many different ways and places.

Personally I can only hope that I will leave this world a little better then when I came into it-a servant.

Shalom

Ted :-6

Koan,

Life is real hard, a continued struggle with circumstances, outside world and your innerself. What it needs is a positive approach, and I see that you have it.

S Gupta :-6

Exactly.

Shalom

Ted :-6

The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Richard Leider

Thanks I'll look it up on the net. Does it prove God has an amazing plan 'cause that would sure help me sleep easier at night. Someone's gotta have a plan, right?