i want to listen

The human heart is desperate for meaning. We want to know that our lives matter. We desire that this existence amounts to more than temporary consciousness, and that we can contribute to this world beyond the way our bodies fertilize the ground surrounding our gravestones.

I had a conversation today about this desire. A friend pointed out that the evidence for humanity's search for meaning and significance is evident everywhere. Consider websites like YouTube. Virtually anything imaginable can be found there...people endangering their safety, revealing their personal lives, being profane, demeaning others, bending morals, and anything else you can think of. I'm not trying to dismiss YouTube as a useful site (I happen to go there almost daily), but after spending considerable time there I have to wonder why countless people would compromise their integrity and dignity with the whole world as a audience.

The truth is, sometimes people start to feel lost in the masses. Without any purpose, at least one that outlasts this earth and lifetime, they grasp on to any means of making themselves known. They would rather embrace temporary recognition, even if it's negative, rather than face the unknown, and the possibility of disappearing into history forever.

My heart breaks for this world and the efforts it makes. If only they knew a God exists that numbers each hair on our heads. He isn't bound by money (good news for America right now), He strengthens and comforts in the midst of pain, values humanity above any known created being, offers hope beyond this life, and provides a means of lasting fulfillment.

Although I didn't realize it, someone close to me growing up seemed to understand this. I was probably too young or naive to grasp it at the time, but she genuinely listened to people. Though she's passed away, I'm still inspired by the life she lived. She understood the desperate longing in the hearts of people without hope. I've never known anyone who attracted more hurting, lonely, and questioning people. They flocked to her constantly, and all the while, no matter what the situation or how tired she was, she consistently, genuinely, and lovingly engaged them. I heard one of her friends say once, "When I talk with her, I feel like I'm the only person in the world."

That is my goal. In a world thirsty for meaning, I want to be the person people run to, who reminds them of how important they are. And really, it's not so much my own desire I'd be furthering. I'd simply be passing along the love that's been given to me freely.

I want to live in a world where people don't have to post some stupid video to feel loved.