We’re born. We live. And we die, with others continuing on after us. This circle of life has continued since the beginning of time. It helps to give our life meaning – neither neglecting our responsibilities nor taking ourselves too seriously.
First, it reminds us that we’re not self-made. We are alive because we received life from outside of ourselves.
We were born into a world already in motion – a reality not centered on us. And this calls for a good dose of humility as we learn from those who have come before.
But we’re here now and we have a part to play in this grand story that’s unfolding.
As we’ve freely received life, we now have the responsibility to freely give – to become generative men.
And certainly this includes working to make our homes and communities more humane, just, and beautiful.
But it also entails raising those who can continue the work after us – to create life ourselves and to prepare those who will continue creating.
We have just a moment on the stage of life before passing the baton.
This helps us to keep life in perspective and invest in those things that matter most. And it also reminds us that, in the end, life is not ultimately about us.
We play a role in a much larger story. And while it’s our duty to fulfill our part, we can also rest knowing the story does not depend on us.
This circle of life was started before us and will continue after.
Find your place and contribute your part – fully engaged while also trusting in the rhythm of life beyond you.
This is the circle of life.
