By Dani Lindamood of San Marcos, California USA
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord; bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
When we are young, we seek to know the answers to questions surrounding connectivity: the connection between parts and the relationship between cause and effect, such as chlorophyll and our perception of the color green. As we become older, we simply start to accept the unknown. We note it is complex and move on in complacent patterns that leave us hungry. We never really know the true extent of our connections. We are never fully satisfied that we’re living lives of meaning.
But we shouldn’t give up that childlike curiosity to explore connectivity. Our connections—to each other, to the natural world, perhaps even to something more universal—enable us to step beyond ourselves in order to situate our existence in the bigger picture. Seeing the world through this filter, I’ve been able to live a life with deeper meaning, more love, truer happiness, and sincere compassion.
Instead of isolating ourselves under the guise of work or the family unit, we should embrace the questions and the connections. Go. Wander. Question. Seek out answers, create stronger bonds, and venture out to see things that inspire your awe. Engage in the kind of dialogue that bring us closer to being able to answer questions like “Why are we here?”
While we journey closer to answers by embracing the connectivity that pervades our planet and galaxy, we also journey closer to each other and closer to realizing the kind of future we want to create. In recognizing the interconnectedness of our world, we honor the role we play in creating the light and the dark in our world through our actions and inactions.
But not knowing doesn’t have to hold us back from purposeful living and pursuing the most out of life. Not knowing doesn’t have to keep us from realizing the truth of humanity’s part in connectivity on this planet. And not knowing doesn’t have to limit our role in defining our future. The light in me honors and bows to the light in you and in all the world
Prayer Phrase
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Hope in the Present
Take a moment to pause and reflect on where hope is present in your life. Write down three things that give you hope. It could be a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun, or progress toward a goal. If you are facing difficulties, gently remind yourself: “Even now, hope is present. Even now, something new is possible.” Express gratitude for this hope knowing that each day is an opportunity for renewal.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.