Have you ever wondered why we ask the question, 'why?' What does this question tell us? 'Why?', by its very nature, whatever it is directed towards, implies some motivation, that some action had reason and reasoning behind it, that there is purpose. 'Why?' also indicates our desire to know that motivation, reason, and purpose. Have you ever wondered why it is so important to us to find the underlying reasons? Because if there is reason behind something, that thing itself has value; it is justified. Having no underlying reason makes it pointless.
Why are we here? Why were we created? Why are my eyes green? Why did the sun come up this morning? Why me? Why him/her? Why not? Why?
We cry out for meaning. We long for it. We constantly ask, 'why?' So I'm asking, why is that question so important? And yes, I get the irony of that last sentence... Why does a 3 year-old ask 'why?' over and over and over again? Why don't they ask the question, 'how?', instead? 'How?', indicates a desire to find the logistics, the function. 'Why?', indicates a desire to find the motive. The 3 year-old is seeking foundations, answers, reasons, and purpose, trying to make sense of themselves and the world around them. Are we any different? The questions may change, but the desire remains the same.
Some would say there are no underlying reasons for life. Existence and creation are accidents. If that's the case, why are we so obsessed with the question 'why?' Even in writing this I can't stop asking it. The answer is not 'just because.' Because what?!!! There IS a reason. There IS something we're searching for. In our depths we know that there is an answer to our 'whys?'. If we did not believe there was an answer, would we ask our 'whys'? If existence is just about survival, the primary question should simply be 'how?' If we are just about survival, who cares about the reasons for existence? But we care! We long for purpose! We know that motivations and reasons matter and we're obsessed with them. Again I ask, 'Why?!' I would argue it is because the source of that motivation, the source of the reason, wants us looking for HIM!
Why us? If scientists are right, and there is no underlying reason for our existence then there truly is no point. But what if there is actually an answer to the 'why?' What if 'why?' itself shows us that there is reason, that there is purpose? This is not a mistake but intentional. As our society continues answering the why questions with the answer, "there is no reason", the message given is that there is no purpose, therefore devaluing those very things. Imagine a 3 year-old asking, "Why do I have to brush my teeth?" If the answer is that there is no reason, then it completely devalues brushing teeth. No one would do it! What about the question, "Why was I born a girl?" If the answer is "there is no reason", then it devalues my sexuality and therefore it doesn't matter. Or, "Why was I born?" Again, if the answer is "there is no reason", then it devalues my very life! In this case, suicide isn't so crazy. It doesn't matter. Life is devalued. Sex is devalued. Existence itself is devalued. What can come of this but chaos, destruction and death? Of course, what if the opposite is true? What if the answer to all of the 'whys?' is that there IS a reason and there IS meaning? What follows from this is purpose and value which leads to responsibility, respect, stewardship, care, and LIFE itself.
The crazy thing is, we actually don't even need to know the specific answers to our 'whys?'. What we need to know is that an answer, a reason, and a purpose exist. HE exists. That is enough to give value and meaning.
Why? Because I AM!
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