Susan, of the Bipolar Wellness blog, wrote recently about the search for meaning, quoting some things Viktor Frankl said in his book, Man's Search for Meaning. Frankl said the following: "Everyone has his (or her) own specific vocation or mission in life to carry out a concrete assignment which demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated."
That made me think of the statement so often quoted: "No one is indispensable." This may be somewhat true in the big picture - in terms of the world - but not completely true at all. Each of us is indispensable as persons of value and worth to the people whose lives we touch and we are of great importance to God. No one can replace us because each of us is unique in who we are and in what we have to offer.
A friend of mine is away on an extended holiday. Her work her is suffering. People who love her and depend on her are suffering because of her absence. She has left a hole. She is irreplaceable. She is indispensable.
Robert Louis Stevenson says something neat on this topic: "So long as we love, we serve. So long as we are loved by others I would almost say we are indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend."
About Me
- marja
- As a person with bipolar disorder and a faith in Jesus Christ, I write about mental health issues, esp encouraging a more understanding view by the Christian church. In an effort to help my church give support to people with mood disorders, I started a support group called "Living Room." Now groups are starting up elsewhere. I'm in my mid-sixties and feel I have a lot to share - the fruits of a "long" life - and I love doing that.
A Firm Place to Stand
Riding the Roller Coaster
Riding the Roller Coaster
Marja Bergen
7 comments:
I agree. I think we are all made differently and we have a special and unique calling in our life. God has purposes for us and He uses us in His own wonderful ways. No one can take our place. We can make a difference wherever God places us. Great post, Marja.
I LOVE the thought that NO ONE can do what I was put on this earth to do. That sure brings meaning to my life.
What an amazing God we serve to have made each of us unique having the abilities and talents that we do. No wonder Heaven is going to be so harmonious!!!
What a lovely post, Marja. I agree with you completely. We were each placed here to make a difference, and if we're willing to allow ourselves to pursue God's purposes for our lives, wherever that may take us, we each can and will live a life that matters.
The interesting and awesome thing is that often we don't know it when we're touching someone else's life. That few dollars given to a waitress or a homeless person could be the difference between a meal and going hungry. The kind word or smile could change a person's attitude and maybe their life.
All of us are unique and I am thankful for that.
Jim :)
Thank you, Nancie, Paula, Syd, and Jim. We will be discussing this topic at Living Room tomorrow. I've printed out your comments and will bring them to the meeting, so you will have a part in the discussion. You will be at Living Room tomorrow!
It's taken me a very long time to accept that everyone is different and trying to be "normal" is overrated. My mom always says "normal" doesn't exist, and everyone is different. I spent so long trying to be what I thought was "normal" to be like everyone else. Now I see that being me is okay. I just want to be real and to be myself.
BPD: Welcome to my blog and thank you for your comment. You too will be at my Living Room meeting today.
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