Last night at Chautauqua the discussion turned from politics, religion, and wedding cakes. One in our group said, “I believe that most humans need only two things — to have a purpose and to have someone, at least one person, who cares about me.”
Her words stuck with me through the night and into this morning’s meditation.
As I get older, I notice how quickly a person will decline if he or she loses a sense of purpose. The purpose is usually not the same as the person had in their youth or middle age, but a purpose nonetheless. It might be to volunteer, to travel, to learn something new, or in my case to write blogs and novels, but something to get one out of bed every morning.
I am very fortunate with the second. I have family and friends who care about me and love me, most of us do as well, but as we get older there can develop a fear that having someone who cares is no longer the case. Worse yet, is when the fear develops into reality. My friends words remind me to stay in touch more with friends and family and to make sure they know how much I care for them.
The third aspect of my thoughts this morning is to ask: is to have a purpose, and to have someone care all that I need? That question is a little tougher and I suspect that the answer is different for each of us. For me, I would have to add at least one more — to believe in something. I need to a few basic beliefs and values.
Let me know what you think.
Webb let’s think about this and revisit your thoughts at the lake. I completely agree with your thesis on having a purpose and having people who care about us.
Look forward to doing so Grant. All my best friend! Love to Ruth. W.