Meaning Of Life? Just One Thing...



Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2007

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Do you remember the movie "City Slickers"? Like a lot of folk, I've seen the movie at least twice. It's a classic!

Remember the scene where Billy Crystal asked the old cowpoke - Jack Palance - the question, "What is the meaning of life?". The old cowpoke replied simply by saying, "Just one thing..."

At first it was a confusing answer. We all expected an explanation, but ol' Jack simply turned and rode on. By the end of the movie however, we all got the message.

The meaning of life? It can be summarized several ways. I'd say that it's all up to each individual. But too often we still wind up pondering the question again, especially when we are faced with some kind of crisis. I guess that's why ol' Jack's answer was so vague.

In our world, we are told that the road to happiness is by either success, or religion, or weight loss, or...you can fill in the blanks. We look for quick solutions, quick results, no hassles. Everything around us is moving so rapidly it's unnatural. As a result, there are a lot of unhappy people out there.

So it's no wonder why it's so easy to lose touch with what really makes life worthwhile. We want it all. But even so, when we have it all, we aren't happy because we want more. We are so preoccupied with keeping it all together and striving to get ahead. But far too soon, Father Time winds down. And no matter where we are in life -- by the end of the day -- many wind up asking the same question; "What was the meaning of it all?"

So often we hear of an elderly person reflecting on life -- as he or she lies helpless on the brink of death. They aren't so worried about their annual income, or retirement, or their popularity. Most of the time, they reflect on the one's they love, and all the good times. Most of those good times were simple times. Simple moments: the real meaning to living.

Take a look at some of your most meaningful moments. Was it your first kiss? Or a simple conversation with someone you dearly love and miss? All of us have those types of moments. And as insignificant as they seem, they make the greatest impact on us.

But all too often, we take simple moments for granted. We look either too far into the future with our plans, or too far back into the past from our mistakes. With all the bustle around us, we are caught up in the noise. There are too many things to consider. Not enough time to reflect and to appreciate right where we are at this very moment. Too often we fail to treasure the people in our lives, and it's hard for us to simply say, "You know, I really do appreciate you, and I am so glad you are in my life.." That is, until they are gone forever. It's funny how well we remember the simple moments with that person.

I believe too often we are so concerned about our purpose in life. All of us have an inner urge to make an impact on the world in one fashion or the other. But life is so much bigger than us. It will go on without us long after we return to the dust; when all our efforts become as nothing. And that is one thing for certain: in a hundred years, we won't be here.

So the question really isn't what is the meaning of life -- but rather -- what does it mean to us! It's a proven fact that the happiest people are those who relish the present here-and-now. At every turn, there is a slice of heaven right there in the corner of your world -- if you only take the time to look at it and appreciate it. Rest assured, when you look back at your life, these insignificant moments will mean the most to you. If you have a trove of special moments in your memory, you are indeed a rich person.

Living in the moment great or small; taking the time to appreciate life as it is right now -- that's the essence of living. Our purpose in life can change in an instant. Let's reverse it and see life's purpose to us. That's the purpose of life; just one special moment at a time.

 

Kevin Wicker is a noted underground Nashville record producer, songwriter, musician and entertainer. He has shared the stage and studio with some of Nashville's most successful recording artists. Operating from his studio on Nashville's Music Row for close to a decade, he gained a fond reputation as a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist: producing demos to songs that were to become million-seller classics.
His website is www.kevinwicker.com

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