The date today is Monday, March 28, 2011. Currently, the sun is gracing us with it's warm, bright presence. The temperature is a chilly 35 degrees fahrenheit, but the overall brightness seemingly dwarfs the presence of the cold in my mind. On a day such as this, it becomes increasingly difficult to view occurrences as daily routine or patterns. I go through the same routines (driving to school, coming home, reading, writing, thinking) but it is all in a different light today. I cannot help but notice the beauty of this world. From the air being forced into my lungs through respiration to the keys I press on in order to convey the thoughts of my mind - none of it will be taken for granted! I would like to take this time to thank God for every accommodation He has placed in my life to ensure that I could make today - this moment a reality.
For those reading, I would like to encourage you to take the time to look around and think about the beauty in all things nature has given us. Of course the man-made possessions we may cling to may have physical beauty, but far too long have we been glued to our technological advancements. I find it very interesting - yet not surprising - that a man by the name of Blaise Pascal, scientist, mathematician, and French philosopher predicted back in the early to mid 1600's that with the advancement of technology, with all of it's marvelous uses, we would only become bored with life and the blessings we are so very lucky to have been given. Here is a quote that has peaked my interest from Dr. Wolf's lecture: "Man's boredom with himself and his universe leads him to two realities: Indifference, and Diversion." It is clear to me - as clear as the cloudless sky, in fact - that our boredom (caused probably primarily by technology) has caused us (from what I have observed in Americans I come into contact with) to become indifferent to what is really going on in the world and most of all it has made us indifferent to our souls. We are indifferent to anything that is not placed right in front of our eyes so that we can physically see and experience its usefulness. Now this is tragic because remember what was said by Aristotle that if a thing is separated from its purpose, only misuse, disorder, or destruction can follow. We are very clearly separated from our purpose at this point it would seem. Technology - being an invention of man - cannot possibly be the purpose of man. Technology was created due to the genius of many people. Now that we have so much technology to make our lives "easier", what use do we have to think for ourselves? I would like to argue that technology in itself is a very wonderful thing. In fact - I am now using technology in order to attempt to reach many people without ever having to leave my house. Technology is a wonderful, marvelous invention that is indeed a tribute to the genius thoughts behind its existence. However, anything taken out of moderation can distort its beauty and usefulness. Since we are so BORED with life and the newest technologies, we no longer recognize it as a great tool, we see it as a "diversion".
Many people are so very focused on their cell phones and the latest tech out there, they almost live for it. How many hours a day do you spend simply looking at your cell phone or computer? With the invention of smart phones, people can go outside into beautiful nature and see only what is in their email inbox. Is it any wonder we are so bored and is it any wonder the suicide rate/depression rate is so high? What meaning has life if we stand outside the window and never look in? We, as a society - or dare I say world - are for the most part standing outside the door of a party but relying on text messages to tell us what is going on at the party! Instead of putting down our technology and walking in and experiencing life for ourselves, we look at our phones to do it for us because it is easier.
All it really takes to have a more thorough appreciation for your life and what has been given to you (and can just as easily be taken away), is to just take the time to focus on the meaning of life. What other purpose should we strive for? What could possibly make this life more enjoyable than to know what the meaning of this life is? Just as a bottle filled with water is meant to quench your physical thirst, your life - every life - has a purpose. Find that purpose and you will never again look at things the same. Neglecting your soul is the same as not knowing the purpose of the water in the water bottle - it cannot serve or help you in the most meaningful way unless you find what its true purpose is - to be consumed.
Thank you all for reading everyone. I'm out to enjoy nature now! Thank you, God for the beauty you have placed in front of me to observe, for it is all a testament to your beauty!
You're blowing my mind Doug. Today is March 28th "in theory to a doubt jk", and I know you don't have many readers yet, but just wait few months from now OMG. You're truly on the path in changing as well as fixing many peoples lives.
ReplyDeleteRomans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.