when I escape

“A life whose meaning depends upon such a happenstance — as whether one escapes or not — ultimately would not be worth living at all. ”

— Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl, a holocaust survivor and author, wrote about a difference he saw with himself and his fellow prisoners.

“Their question was, ‘Will we survive the camp? For, if not, all this suffering has no meaning.’”

In life, we make the same mistake. We’re often discontented where we are at right now. Our happiness becomes tied to a future outcome. We think… when I lose weight, or make more money, or get a new relationship… then I will find meaning. I will get the life I deserve and be the person I want to be.

But the danger with this thinking is when we have a setback or disappointment we start to lose hope that things will ever change.

Frankl noticed that when prisoners became hopeless it would often lead to sickness and death.

We can learn from Frankl's experience.

He asked, “Has all this suffering, this dying around us, a meaning? For, if not, then ultimately there is no meaning to survival.”

This is true for our survival. If we don't find meaning now, where ever we are at, we will never find meaning in escape.

What's something you can do this week to find meaning?

Examples:

• Take some time and write in your journal about what you’re grateful for.

• Write down some things you are have learned from your struggles.

• Call a friend and encourage them.

• If you're having a hard time, call a friend and ask for encouragement.

• Find a way to serve your partner or family this week.

• Take a personal retreat (get away for a few hours) and connect with God.

• Find a way be generous with a surplus in your life and give something away.