One of my most profound reasons for hope is the depth of commitment I see in younger generations to live life deeply with a passion and a purpose. Gen X, millennials and younger people I admire, including my own children, have a more realistic and at times more cynical view that institutions like government, the church, social institutions, education etc. will save us. While less traditional perhaps there is among many a passionate desire to live life on their terms and on purpose.
Years ago, Pastor Rick Warren at the height of his ministry wrote a bestseller, A Purpose Driven Life. He drew upon the deep biblical tradition that each one of us has a unique calling part of a larger divine purpose for the universe. This notion that each person is part of the story of revelation by our creator is a compelling one which beats under the surface within all of humanity. This concept has deep roots in gestalt and depth psychology as well as in human development.
Even more recently, living with a purpose is now being identified as a significant factor in wellbeing and living longer.
Before he died Pope Francis wrote of the connection between a life of service and happiness.
I like to think that our children and grandchildren evidence this purposeful behavior in parenting, friendships, community service, family, wellness, the environment, social justice and faith.
In the aggregate they are about building a better world at the granular level.
They may be less institutional joiners but better do—ers.
I had a powerful example of this purpose driven life in my dad, who lived to 95. He was an excellent mechanical engineer but struggled with a serious speech impediment despite his efforts at therapy. Realizing this would handicap his career to some extent in his public speaking, he vowed to become the best husband and father he could, which he was.
In his later years he and I were sitting on his favorite couch and I thanked him for his sacrifice which I had grown to recognize. Without a word he looked at me deeply as one tear rolled down his cheek as a testament to a purpose driven life and promises kept.
So when the institutions around us may seem to fail us, take heart in the countless lives of family, friends, children, and neighbors who awaken daily to purposefully live for us and others. The mysteries of the universe are still enfolding and as St. Paul reminds us creation still groans in giving birth.