There’s been a constant question this week in the life of Mr. Joey: What are we made to be?

It’s tempting to talk about what we’re not supposed to be, because tangents of untruths could be expressed forever.  But this is the problem when talking about the meaning of life, because there is so much evidence, knowledge rather, of what we’re not supposed to be, that what we are meant to be is easily missed (though it is in plain sight).  So I could type for days, in intricate detail, about the mark that’s not quite hit or the never-enough feeling of emptiness we all experience.  But that will only keep us in the garden, beneath that daunting tree.   

Perhaps the best way to answer this question is to start with myself.

First, I know that I’m made to be with other people.  If there’s anything I’ve learned since I decided to follow Jesus, it’s that, in order to operate in a way that’s conducive to experiencing life, I need to surround myself with people who will love me for who I am and are not afraid to tell me when I’m being an asshole.  I need people who will listen to me, even when I’m not speaking truth, in order for me to work out my salvation.  Life is such a complicatedly easy matter, and as I unwind and unlearn everything I’ve been taught that isn’t true, I need people who are patient to hear me out so I can come to the dead end on my own terms.  I need people who abstain from phrases like “I told you so” and “What you should do is…”  I need people who aren’t here to fix me, but commit to standing by my side even when unthinkable problems arise.

Second, I’m made to spend time by myself.  I might learn the most with other people, but I come to the point of understanding when I am alone.  Not everyone is like this, but don’t be afraid to turn off your phone and spend time with yourself.  You don’t have to go into nature or journal your thoughts.  Just do stuff for a day by yourself.  Don’t look for anything in particular.  

Third, I’m made to have an outlet.  An outlet for what?  Into what?  From what?  I don’t know.  I guess the best way to describe “outlet” is being able to have something that I am free to do with no agenda; a space where I don’t trip over myself and where I am in total expression.  For me, it’s music and writing.  For others, it could be cooking or hiking or counseling or whatever thing that pulls them into a groove of effortless effort. Let us not limit our outlets, because there are many.

Fourth, I’m made to reflect who made me.  This needs no explanation.  The more disconnected, confused, irritated, impatient, unforgiving, accusing, and irrational I am, the truth is, the more out of touch with God I am.  Life feels like I’m walking through wet concrete.  My mind feels like a trench surrounded by a mechanical darkness.  These are the times I walk down the tangents.  These are also the times I can ask in honesty, “lead me beside still waters.”  If I ask for bread, I will not be given a stone.  If I ask for the Spirit, I will not be given a snake.  I am made to remember this always.

Fifth, I am made to experience healthy food and activity.  Outside of these two things, the other four will suffer severely.  It’s amazing how clear and simple life is after a long swim.  There’s a reason for that.

  So, I’ll start with those five and maybe you can too.  Make your own amendments if you need to, just don’t forget to stay connected, breathe, and not be afraid to be yourself.  If you allow yourself to be yourself, you will allow others to be themselves.