32 - Purpose of Life

A while ago, I had a conversation with my brother.  The discussion centered on state of people today, their 'heart struggles', generational traits and issues, and what internal needs are showing themselves and will only show more as time goes on.  We talked about a few observations of the world around us, with attempt to avoid placing judgement -

• The generation aging right now is the Boomers. Generally, they were raised in bio-mom/dad families, they had at least 1 or more dinners together, if they got in trouble at school, they'd get in trouble at home.

• Generally, the Boomers went to church either regularly or, more likely, one to twice a year. Generally, if they weren't Biblically literate, they knew the basics and had a general belief in what they believed was in there (theology correctness, aside).
• The generations that come after the Boomers - starting in the GenX and progressively stronger into the GenY (or the Millennials) and the GenZ - are experiencing a huge shift.  Ways of thinking and ways of interacting and ways of behaving that we have never seen before.  And yes, I would say primarily brought on by technology, but not only because of that.  
• General observations: (1) Disillusionment on religion (aka Christianity) as an organization and form of control have led to a mass exodus away from any kind of bible teaching, and thus a great ignorance is prevalent on what is in that book.  Assumptions are rampant and individual determination of what is right along with the rise of individual religious choices is growing. (2) A self-focused world-view ("make me happy" or "if you don't make me happy, I'll ..." or the growth of the 'selfie' ... didn't I write on this a bit ago?) is entrenched and strengthening.  (3)  There are more children that come from broken homes now than those that come from a bio-mom/dad family.  Kitchen tables are frequently used for all sorts of other things and a family sit-down dinner?  Not often, especially if the child lives in a single-parent home. (4) We still use words like 'commitment' and 'love' but I question whether we really know what it means, much less live these words.  I think frequently a person is 'committed' and 'loves' someone, as long as that person meets my needs and gives me what I want.

I love the two attached quotes on life's purpose.  Which one do you agree with? It can't be both, so which one? Or, maybe it's something else?  And then consider: "Today's society is characterized by achievement orientation, and consequently adores people who are successful and happy and, in particular, it adores the young and youthful. It virtually ignores the value of all those who are otherwise, and in so doing blurs the decisive difference between being valuable in the sense of dignity and being valuable in the sense of usefulness. If one is not cognizant of this difference and holds that an individual's value stems only from his present usefulness, then one owes it only to personal inconsistency not to plead for euthanasia along the lines of Hitler's program, that is to say, "mercy" killing of all those who have lost their societal usefulness, be it because of old age, incurable illness, mental deterioration, or whatever handicaps they may suffer." (~V.Frankl)  And where does this leave us?  Chew on that for a while.

What is the connection that all of these have with each other? Can you see one?

I could write a book on this.  Especially when you factor in the discussion I had with VG today.   I once said we are living in interesting times ... I think that more now than ever.  And, I suspect that, generally, things will not be getting better.  And I'm an optimist!  I still believe there are great things out there for me ...

Today's Moments of Gratitude
1/ Today, I'm grateful for the sense of peace and assurance that I experience inside me. It might not be my purpose, but I know that comes from a belief in the future and a process.
2/ Today, I'm grateful that there are things to be grateful for that I have no control over - like if someone will call me, if I will find a great parking spot, if the weather is good, etc.
3/ Today, I'm grateful for those things that I do have influence over - like calling someone else, choosing to go for a walk, what things I choose to spend my time on, etc. I need to act on those more!
4/ Today, I'm grateful to 'get it'.  In spite of everything, and the human side of questioning, in my opinion and my world, I get it.
5/ Today, I'm grateful for the dawning decision for direction.  I am still open to change, but this decision will definitely affect things in a good way. A purposeful way.