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Why are we here?

A friend of mine made the following insightful post on Facebook: “When we start to question the meaning of life, there is only one viable answer—the role we play in positively impacting the lives of other people. Can I make someone smile? Can I make someone laugh? Can I lesson a burden? Can I increase their value? Can I help them? The ‘meaning’ is all very simple…it’s the moment we quit thinking only of ourselves.” This reminded me of a story I once shared with you about my friend Jen who works in the meat department of a nearby supermarket. One day, as I approached her, I noticed that she had been crying. When I asked if everything was alright, she said she had been feeling that her life stood for nothing and she was asking herself the question, “Why am I even here?” I then shared with her what I observed during my previous visit to her meat department. In less than five minutes, six different people came up to her. Some exchanged friendly greetings, some received hugs and they all left with a smile. I said, “Jen, you made every one of those person’s days and you do this all the while you’re here at work.” I pointed out that, by itself, is reason enough for anyone to be here. I then said, “Jen your life is all about making other peoples’ days and without you, none of those days would have been made.” At this point, she looked at me and said, “thank you,” gave me a hug and her usual smile returned to her face.