Tell people who are rich at this time not to become egotistical and not to place their hope on their finances, which are uncertain. Instead, they need to hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others. When they do these things, they will save a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future. That way they can take hold of the life that is truly life. – 1 Peter 6:17-19

Several times a day (less at the moment because it is so hot), Max Retriever and I head out to take a lap around the block. But the day is anchored by our two big walks, early in the morning and last thing before bed.

The morning hike is typically quiet and contemplative, a time of sorting things out in my head, of orienting myself to the coming day and of prayer. Sometimes I do the same in the evening, but usually I listen to a podcast. Max seems not to care either way.

My favorite pods at the moment are NPR News Now, Dan Snow’s History Hit, Criminal (Phoebe Judge), This American Life, Mountain & Prairie (Ed Roberson) and Hidden Brain (Shankar Vadantam).

This week’s Hidden Brain episode examines the question, “What is your life for?” Shankar’s guest is professor and researcher Victor Strecher from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, and the conversation is anchored in Strecher’s heart-wrenching story around losing a child to heart disease.

I mention this not just because professor Strecher’s story is so compelling but because it reminds me of a couple of important truths. First, that the number of years is not the best measure of a life (a life is complete, regardless). Second, that understanding purpose and meaning in life is critical if we are going to – as Peter puts it in his letter – “take hold of the life that is truly life.”

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Some related musings:

Pods like this remind me of how effectively story connects us to meaning, and how meaning in our own life can be activated, or quickened, by someone else’s story; story being the catalyst.

If story is the catalyst rather than the thing itself then it follows that meaning is resident in all of us already. Story does not create meaning, story connects us to it.

So does hearing the Jesus story – and accepting it – create meaning where there was none? Or does it release what is already latent? Every human in this world is a child of God, regardless of if they know or understand the story. The Jesus story, then, calls to what is already true.

I was saved before I knew Jesus. But now, as a disciple, I get to live into that truth and experience it more completely.

Meaning is resident in the fact of my existence! The critical role of faith, then, is not to say “your story is meaningless without God…” but to say, “your story is already beautiful and meaningful, let me introduce you to why!”

The beauty of discovering God now rather than later is that we get to explore meaning and purpose together, with the author of Creation.

Okay, at the risk of rambling too much, that’s enough for today. Peace and blessings, always – DEREK