The Meaning of Life

The Meaning of Life. Have you ever deeply pondered that question, stopped and really thought about it? What is truly the meaning of life?

Throughout history many have attempted to answer that question. The answers are as numerous as the sands of the sea. To mention a few:

• Hinduism - The meaning of life is tied up in the concepts of Karma (causal action), Samsara (cycle of birth and rebirth) and Moksha (Liberation). Basically the meaning of life is eternal and we progress across numerous lifetimes, with the ultimate goal of being liberated.
• Judaism - Is to serve God and to prepare for the world to come, elevating oneself spiritually.
• Zoroastrianism - Belief in a universe that will undergo a cosmic renovation and then time will end.
• Buddhism - Is to end suffering through detaching oneself from cravings and conceptual attachments.
• Islam - To seek the pleasure of Allah (God) by abiding by the Divine guidelines revealed in the Qur'an and the Tradition of the prophet Muhammad.

There are literally thousands of philosophies and religions which are built around different meanings of life. These differences have been fought over, killed for and profited by. Millions have lost their lives, both physically and spiritually, in pursuit of it.

A young Adolf Hitler sought to enforce his belief of the meaning of life, believing that the German people were the greatest people on the earth, and that all other people were inferior, especially Jews, Gypsies, retarded, Slavs, and that as such should not exist, and that the German people should spread out so that the population of German people would grow. And we know how that ended.

Another young man, at the age of fourteen, sought an answer to the meaning of life in a completely different place-a quiet grove of trees, and received his answer from the greatest of all, even the Father of Heaven and Earth. And we know how that ended.

Having stood where Joseph stood, I too can say that I know the true meaning of life, thanks to a young man who sought the right answer at the right time, in the right place from the right source.

So, as you ponder this question, what is the true meaning of life for you?

I have found my answer in many forms, actions and ideals.

It is having a daily conversation with deity.
It is a kiss and a hug from an eternal companion.
It is a still small voice whispering to me that the verse I just read is true.
It is stopping and listening to a beautiful melody of a bird.
It is the sweet smells of Christmas.
It is the smiles from the faces of my grandchildren.
It is a beautiful sunset.
It is standing in the presence of my Savior.
It is a backpacking trip with family.
It is a visit, all dressed in white, to the House of the Lord.
It is a house full of beautiful children and their families.
It is taking the time to smell the roses.
It is exploring the creations of God.
It is attending the funeral of a saint.
It is viewing an American flag and knowing the price that was paid for my freedoms.
It is a handcart and a bonnet.
It is witnessing the birth of a baby.

It is because "All things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me." (Moses 6:63)

So, I guess my meaning of life is in many things. And you know, if I don't stop and pay attention, look, smell, observe, I end up missing a lot of really good meanings.

In our fast-paced lives, it is important to take the time to enjoy the good things of live, for they bear witness of Him.