Each of us has been launched into being by the cosmic slingshot of Providence. We are authored by forces outside of us and cast into an amazing ancient story. We are constrained by our limited awareness of the past, present, or future.

We did not pick the time and place we were born into. Nor did we decide the genetics we were given (or not), or the family we had (or didn’t), the opportunities and privileges we’ve been afforded (or not), or the headaches, betrayals, and traumas we have experienced (or didn’t).

Coming from an uncontrollable and non-erasable past, and moving into an unknowable and unstoppable future, we didn’t choose to be. (Just like we can’t choose to un-be.)
While we have very limited freedom, freedom we do have. Our freedoms can be boiled down to three essentials:

• The freedom to choose our own way. (Make life purposeful)
• The freedom to choose our attitude in any given situation. (Make life and suffering meaningful)
• The freedom to reject how we are made. (Idolatry)

We are familiar with Shakespeare’s line from “As You Like It,” where Jaques says,

All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
The part any of us play in this ancient cosmic drama is infinitesimally small, but it’s our freedom, privilege, and responsibility to play it fully.

There is no obvious answer to the meaning of life. Each of us must answer for ourselves. We curate our own unique meaning based on our circumstances, our relationships, and our experiences. Life is essentially inviting us to participate in the story, and we either respond or not. Life is asking us to play our part.

Going Deeper
How will you answer?
What is life asking of you today?

 

If you are struggling to make meaning in your life, contact Sage Hill Counseling to set up an appointment with one of our counselors. We’re here to help.