Q: If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
A: I see this one as two questions, really. The short answer to each question might simply be because I don't always know best. But if I just typed that, it would make for a pretty boring post and I wouldn't be freeing my mind as much as I could by answering each question more in depth. So, I'm tackling them a bit more deeply and separately.
First, I'll address the, "why do I do so many things I don't like" part. I do things I don't like because often those things are good for me. Whether I'm benefiting physically, emotionally or spiritually, doing things I don't like often makes me a stronger, happier or holier person. * I do things I don't like because I trust whatever authority figure is suggesting that I should. I trust that their desire for my good trumps my narrow view of the world and my constant focus on what feels good. I trust that someone else might have knowledge or experience that is beneficial to me. * I do things I don't like because sometimes doing what I don't like is beneficial to someone else. It's hard to believe but, I'm occasionally willing to do things for the good of other people. * I do things I don't like because sometimes what I like isn't what's most important. * I do things I don't like because I don't always know best.
Next part now, why do I like so many things I don't do? I like a lot of things that I don't do because I'm chock full of an assortment of selfish, destructive and sinful desires. Acting on those desires would be detrimental to me or to others. * I don't do some of the things I "like" to do because there are consequences to all of our actions. Chances are if I purposely don't do something I like it's because I've already suffered the consequences of that action and have learned my lesson (this does happen occasionally - the learning my lesson part, I mean - though much less frequently than I'd like) or I'm trying to avoid those consequences. * I like a lot of things I don't do because liking something doesn't mean it's what's best for me and I'm trying to wade through my likes toward what is indeed best. * I don't do a lot of things I like because I don't always know best but I'm trying to learn.
It's true, I don't always know best and life is short. But eternity isn't. As a Christian, I believe life on Earth is an opportunity to learn, grow and prepare for an eternal life. That's why I'm occasionally willing to do the hard stuff. I do things I don't like and don't do things I do because I'm looking past this life and past what I "like" toward a higher power and toward what is truly best.
As part of my Day Zero Challenge, I've pledged to answer 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind. Today's post is the third question along my mind opening journey. For more information or to answer the questions yourself visit Marc & Angel Hack Life.
