|
A Note From Raymon
Howdy Folks
Eight years ago I received a request from an organization asking me to write my view on ‘the meaning of life.’
I recently found it had been published with a long list of others who had been asked to write on the same subject. Some of these were well known people and some I had never heard of.
Here is my simple response.
It is my opinion that we arrived on planet Earth, third rock from the sun, for a reason. History shows those before us did not make the best choices to keep the earth clean and healthy. The water and air have been polluted, the trees cut down and it appears the earth is dying.
Since this is the only earth we have, we need to learn from the mistakes of the past and do the best we can to improve the earth for our descendants. Seems throughout history, people have spent most of their time and resources trying to kill each other and destroy the earth. All this energy and resources could have been put to better use.
Over 35 years ago, realizing the shortage of drinkable water on earth, it occurred to me someone needed to do something since nothing lives without water. I volunteered and started working to clean up as much water as possible, and teach others how to do this. So far this work has reached 160 countries, to some small degree.
Anytime we do something to improve the earth and make life better for our families, friends and fellow humans, we are giving purpose to our life.
A life without purpose is a wasted life. Life and time are too valuable to waste because both are in limited supply and we can’t buy any more.
What does it take to improve conditions on earth? Not all that much, Respect for the earth and its creatures and fellow humans. It is reported that a fellow called Jesus said something like this. ‘Treat others as you would have them treat you’.
I would add, ‘Take responsibility for your life, use your mind, hands, and talents to improve the world around you. The world does not owe you a life of comfort and ease without working for it.’ Work and accomplishment gives one pride and confidence in themselves. Pride is not as bad as religion has said and humility has been highly over-rated.
These suggestions would eliminate war, crime, abuse, starvation and the social ills of the world. Do something beneficial every day instead of something destructive.
Also, when making decisions concerning the earth, consider the next 7 generations. Make decisions that give your children and all your descendants a better world to live in.
At the end of the day, being able to look back and know that our time was spent to improve the lives of those we came in contact with, enlighten ourselves and improve the earth, is a good day.
At the end of life, for those who knew us to say, ‘The world is better because he / she lived’, is a good life.
|
