Finding Contentment in the Family Tree

The events and experiences of life have a context that one tries to interpret for today. What does it all mean and what can one learn from these moments? From the moment one is old enough to think and process, it seems the search for meaning emerges. Throughout life, one is given, intentionally or unintentionally, a set of rules and standards to uphold that gives life an explanation. Sometimes, of course, the message takes a negative outlook showing a life of chaos, confusion, and on-going sorrow. Most of the time, the lives that fall under these circumstances exist unintentionally, meaning that the person involved does not hope for hopelessness and despair. Then there are lives that take a positive outlook, showing a life of happiness, purpose, and success. These lives, just like those who live the opposite, take shape with personal choices. Choices lead to experiences and experiences turn the pages of history and set the framework of the next generation. Whether one lives a life of chaos or happiness the circumstances under which it begins was put in place by the generation before. Trying to understand the framework and foundation of one's life comes with many questions and too often one's vision to understand is limited and confined to asking this: "What does this mean for right now?" A better question may be, "What does this mean in relation to the generation prior and the one to come?" Again, context is the underpinning of understanding our lives because one's life is not singular and unrelated to other lives. Interpreting one's life experiences seems much more important and fruitful when asking questions that relate to a generational understanding. Not only does one get a broader perspective and understanding when looking at life from a generational point-of-view but also one is directed to make more significant and purposeful choices. These choices, made in a spirit of exploration and intent help form an attitude of discovery and an outlook of better things to come.

An honest attempt to discern the meaning in one's individual life in proper context seems to be an exercise not unlike an exhaustive attempt at genealogy. Piecing together the connection of relatives and deciphering their personalities and the accomplishments of their lives is a study that can give inspiration, pride, disappointment, and even frustration. Very often, the answers one is given to explain and order life end up not being answers at all but form questions that were never thought to be asked. Maybe that defines maturity, that is, understanding one's life both from the knowledge of what is happening now and having perspective on how one's life fits in the broader view of generational growth. Like a puzzle, the pieces come together above, below, and side-to-side to form the complete image. Also like a puzzle, the individual pieces cannot view the complete image as it sits as a whole. Its role is in its place on the table just like one's life has a point-in-time assignment in history. It is beneficial, of course, to look back to the past for context and meaning. Better yet, it is important to leave something of value behind for loved ones to enjoy and continue cultivating. The point is that neither those of the past or those next in line will see fully the significance or impact, positive or negative, of the present. God is telling a remarkable story and to be apart of the plot is simply terrifying. Someday, when the Lord's story is complete and in full view of all, one's small, particular corner of history will deem itself necessary and contentment will no longer ride with self absorption or unanswered questions.