How to find meaning in your life
I think spring is really here.
How beautiful it is to witness the changing of the seasons and feel the warmth of the sun. I love spring — it starts with the hope of Easter and continues with reminders of new life — like blooming flowers and greening trees. Jack Frost has finally left the building!
Speaking of Jack Frost, have you seen the movie “Rise of the Guardians?” In 2012, the DreamWorks 3D animated film that tells the story of the immortal guardians of children everywhere — the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Sandy aka the Sandman and Jack Frost — yes, Jack Frost.
The film begins with Jack Frost narrating his first and only interaction with the “Man in the Moon.”
He shares with the audience that he only heard from his “creator” once and has roamed the Earth for hundreds of years wondering why he hasn’t heard from him again. As we learn more about Jack, we find that he is a lost soul, unaware of his true purpose. (Sounds like this could be a true story already, huh? Just sayin’).
As the movie continues, the “Guardians” are charged by the “Man in the Moon” to recruit Jack Frost to join their team. Puzzled by the idea that a prankster whose only contribution to the Earth was freezing every living thing — at times causing death to trees, plants and flowers, among other things — the Guardians were not too willing to welcome their new team member.
They would soon learn that Jack wasn’t too interested in joining the team either.
In a conversation with the leader of Guardians, Santa Claus, Jack is introduced to a powerful idea.
Santa shares with Jack the importance of his matryoshka doll, or a Russian nesting doll set. You might have seen one of these before — a larger figure has a smaller figure inside of it, and that smaller figure has yet another smaller figure inside of it, and so on.
Each of Santa’s figures are made in his image and likeness.
Santa explains to Jack that each figure has a special meaning. The smallest of the dolls, the last doll, Santa explains, is his “center.”
He gives the doll to Jack and asks him what is his center. He tells Jack that once he realizes what his center is, he will find his purpose.
Throughout the rest of the film, Jack struggles with his identity. He had become so accustomed to living his life causing chaos, pranking people, that he couldn’t imagine losing himself, changing his habits to become this new person, a guardian.
Are you at a crossroads in your life?
Do you feel called to greater purpose?
Sometimes, when no one is looking, we dream. We think of everything we should’ve been, everything we could be. We think that it is impossible to follow that dream(s). We know that if we follow our dream(s) or pursue our passion(s), we may have to change our habits. Jack only knew himself as a prankster, a destroyer. He didn’t even consider that he had a purpose greater than himself within him. He yearned to hear from his creator for hundreds of years. And when he finally did hear from his creator, he didn’t want to accept what he directed him to do.
Deep, right?
I know — this just might be too deep for me to keep writing — nah, I think I’ll keep going.
Are you listening?
Do you hear what God is saying to you?
Do you see what he is doing for you?
He is speaking. He is giving you signs. He is closing doors and opening new ones.
Are you taking advantage of what he is giving you?
Sometimes the answers we’ve been praying for, the answers we’ve been searching for are right in front of us. It’s not your eyesight that needs checked, but it may be your vision (Proverbs 29:18). We need to change our perspective to see our true purpose — change your group of friends, change your habits, change your thought process.
Now that we’ve heard/seen the answer, we must have confidence in the Lord that he will be with us. He knows that you are nervous.
He realizes that you are scared. Don’t let fear keep you from your purpose (Jeremiah 29:11) — God is with you and He rejoices in you (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV). Remember, you have the kingdom within you (Luke 17:21).
Jack Frost walked the earth for centuries wondering why he didn’t hear from his creator or understand his purpose. How long will it take you?
Gina Jones serves as an educator and advocate in Fayette County.