Ever Wonder Why You Are Here

Personally, I do not ever remember asking myself that question until the first time I found my happy self on a desert in Arizona back in 1964…was too busy growing up, learning and going to teen towns in my teenage years, and later trying to earn a living for my family.
It was a warm and beautiful night when I decided to pull off of the highway and stretch my legs and other parts of my anatomy. It suddenly dawned on me that it was extremely dark, and I could hear some faint noises that I had not ever heard before. Being my first time on a desert, I was not aware of rattlesnakes, -scorpions, and other assorted creatures that believed they were at the top of the food chain, and might be thanking their god for providing them with a feast that could last them for a day or so.
Still in a blissful state of peace, and glancing above me, it seemed that all the stars in the galaxy (estimated 200 million by science) were blinking directly at me. After gazing with my mouth agape for awhile, I really realized that I am not alone…and it made me feel so insignificant that I mentally asked “Why am I here?” “How am I important in this life?”
How much actual time passed is beyond me, but my brain began bringing answers to my conscious mind:
How many times did one or both of my parents tuck me in at night, and smiled?
How many Christmas eves did they watch as I tore open my presents, and they smiled?
How many times did they worry until I returned home from school safe, and they smiled?
How many times did I kiss a girl, and we both smiled?
How many times has someone helped me with my homework, and vice-versa, and we both smiled?
How many places have I traveled and ogled at the stunning scenery, and was awed and inspired?
How many doors have I held open for others, just to watch them smile?
How many times have I tucked my son into bed, and smiled?
How many times have I returned home from work, picked him up from his bed, held him in my arms, and sang to him, and smiled?
How many practices and games did my son play, and I felt proud and smiled?
When I met the woman he fell in love with, man did I smile?
How many times have I stopped to help a child or a teenager, and I smiled?
How many beautiful songs have I listened to, and smiled?
How many hugs have I gotten from my two favorite people, and smiled?
How many sunsets have I gazed upon, and felt a serene stillness throughout my entire being?
How many times have I been ill, and others helped me, and they smiled?
How many friends have I had, and still do, and we smile together?
How many problems are there still yet to solve, so I may learn and grow some more?
How many times have I laughed and cried, so my stress levels were lowered, and my health improved?
How many adventures have I traveled, and how many more are there, so I may smile some more?
How many times have I enjoyed the untold beauty of new-fallen snow, and knew serenity?
And there are so many thousands of other reasons we are alive that it is impossible to list them all. Every time we stoop to help a child brings happiness to both us and the child…it’s a win-win situation!
And what of all the absolutely wonderful and enduring qualities in all of us that are just waiting to have the opportunities to present themselves to us and others, that would bring not only smiles to all involved, but also a true feeling of being needed and loved?
When we wonder why we are here, all we have to do is peer within our hearts, and listen with our instincts…the reasons will soon flow out like a raging river at flood stage. We are all important to not only ourselves, but to thousands of others we may not ever meet, and thereby never know how much joy we have brought to them.
And if you really want to know and understand why you are here, just look into a child’s eyes! Imagine what you will discover next!