Finding A Purpose By Dr. Juan Harrison

My barber told me today that each day he expects to feel some kind of pain; at least he knows he’s still kicking.  That sounds a little pessimistic, almost sadistic, but ultimately, it’s a positive observation.  It’s the gift of another day on this side of the dirt.  Each morning  I wake up and see the light peeking through the blinds, I feel a little smile welling up inside with the prospect of another day to accomplish something, to get a grandchild’s hug, to crawl once more beneath crispy sheets anticipating a well-earned rest.

We know we’re mortal.  Short of the Rapture our days are numbered. We long for Heaven and eternal peace but our human spirit cherishes every second with the grands and greedily pray for at least another day’s extension of this earthly life to get one more messy grand hug and sticky kiss.  We wisely don’t count our chicks before they hatch. One thing us old-timers have learned is that nothing can be taken for granted on this earth.  God meant it that way partly so that we’d have a greater appreciation.  The Bible says to let tomorrow take care of itself because today has enough to keep us occupied.  When we’re always worried about tomorrow, we can overlook and miss some of the joys of today.

All of us human types are subject to a little blues or frustrating times. As old age attacks us and takes our skills and abilities and energy and replaces them with aches, pains, and lesser physical abilities, we face some decisions.  We can cave in to the relentless attack of time, or we can vow to fight it tooth and nail.  Every day that we have a semi-clear mind and enough energy and willpower to accomplish or at least attempt another project, we count it a blessing.  Anybody who’s had a death scare or two knows what I’m talking about.  I know whose hand is on the buzzer of life and it ain’t mine.

We have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to not see the daily reminders that we’re not in charge.  Some people like to make us think they got it all under control until an upset tummy or worse reminds them that they can’t even control their own bodies.  That reminds us that the time’s coming when every knee will bow and every tongue confess.  You can foolishly spend your life pretending you’ve got it all together and everything figured out, but you’ve missed the boat if you never discovered a higher purpose or the reason why you were put on this earth.

Life’s tough.  We battle blues, loneliness, sadness, isolation, and a search for meaning each day.  We’re given the opportunity for happiness and joy and a purpose in life.  He reminds us to seek and we shall find.

By Dr. Juan Harrison