“It is the paradox of life that the way to miss pleasure is to seek it first. The very first condition of lasting happiness is that a life should be full of purpose, aiming at something outside self. As a matter of experience, we find that true happiness comes in seeking other things, in the manifold activities of life, in the healthful outgoing of all human powers.”

– Hugh Black

Some thought provoking insights from a Scottish-American theologian, author dating back to the turn of the century.

Mr. Black implies that by seeking pleasure or happiness, a choice and action initiated from within, one will inevitably fail to obtain it. However, by .”..aiming at something outside of self”, he seems to posit that purpose acts to aggregate the collective opportunities to experience true happiness.

It isn’t so much some “thing” that appears, carrying with it a modicum of happiness. But rather that the cumulative effects of all of your outgoing human powers collaborate to gather it in, in all forms, enveloping you within a greater sense of life.

Being that it is not an entity to be taken in unto itself, but rather allowing its presence surround you, permeating all you are.

“In the manifold activities of life.”

When things become broken and remain so for a long, long time, sad to say, a wide variety of actions, inaction and rationalization begin to take over. Done so in the name of change, mending and rebuilding. But alas, more so to remain as such.

It becomes a way of being. Strange as it may seem, there is comfort to be found in this mode of existence. Being in and remaining in that state, one can be assured that nothing out of the ordinary, challenging or changing is not going to disrupt the rhythm of “life”, if that is what you want to call it.

This applies to individuals, and in an effort to keep this contextually correct for current media, teams, organizations, states and yes even nations.

Once nestled within that comfort zone, ego can emerge and frightfully remain front and center. Nothing changes albeit in the name of change.

“I have this under control, no one is going to tell me what to do or how to do it.”

“Your point of view is just wrong. What kind of person comes up with that nonsense? Have you no clue?”

“Why in the world would I want to talk to you? You can’t tell me how to think, feel or act. How dare you!” The hole expands and wreckage grows, hidden and distorted by the rose colored glasses of ego.

Close behind in tandem is its sibling, self-righteousness. Placing oneself not just on the pedastal, but firmly ensconced in the pulpit. A pharisee of your own design and law, willing to bring disorder, destruction and even death to see that your aims are met.

Things and those that are broken can be mended.

For anything to grow out of those ruins, adding ever more manure will never yield the desired outcome. It takes a firm resolve, a willingness to embrace discomfort and an embodiment of genuine humility.

Only within true fellowship can one put those pieces back together and enjoin a life as it was meant to be. Person to person. Teammate to teammate. Resident to resident. Countryman to countryman.

Just love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Heal the brokenness.

“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies. ”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

“But the man who is not afraid to admit everything that he sees to be wrong with himself, and yet recognizes that he may be the object of God’s love precisely because of his shortcomings, can begin to be sincere. His sincerity is based on confidence, not in his own illusions about himself, but in the endless, unfailing mercy of God.”
― Thomas Merton

As my reclamation continues and grows, I cannot help but notice how the thoughts and words I read and hear carry with them an entirely different meaning and mass. Perhaps it is an aspect of the long needed self honesty and an honest embrace of humility that brings with it this resonance. Whatever the case, each day, another epiphany reveals itself.

The daily offering from Pray.com is but one example. Each day this past week they shared something that applied directly where I was on the journey towards redemption. Filling my soul with the sustenance needed for better understanding.

“You may not see the full picture right now, but God is weaving beauty from the threads of your story. Your calling isn’t limited to your job title or circumstances—it’s about living with divine purpose right where you are. Whether you’re in a season of waiting or working, God’s call still stands.”

Patience born of a renewed faith brings with it the peace and serenity needed to hear the calling and pursue a divine purpose. Letting go fulfills His promise to us, in the form of saving grace.

A calling has no real limitations, especially given that in no way will we ever have His field of vision.

I will gladly accept his assignment, as temporary as it may turn out to be. But in doing so, I know that I will finally be where I am meant to be. Fulfilling His loving purpose.

Reclaimed and redeemed.