There is a classic scene in the 1991 comedy City Slickers in which the grizzled trail boss, Curly, explains that the meaning of life comes down to one thing, and according to him, it’s the only thing that truly matters.
This past week I had the honor of once again speaking to the senior class at St. Ignatius. After my talk, one of the students approached me with a question. It’s always fun to answer different questions posed, because I never know exactly what I might be asked. However, in this instance, it was a first:
What do you think is the meaning of life?
A common theme throughout any talk I give is the power of advocacy. While most people think of advocacy work as ways to implement policy change, and that is a big driver, there is another oft-overlooked benefit. In a somewhat selfish way, by helping others we can help ourselves and the way we feel. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I don’t think most people set out to help others solely for the benefit of how it makes them feel, but (at least for me) it is a nice side effect.
I never tire of reading the thank you notes from the recipients of Getting Back Up grants, or the way people approach me after one of my talks to let me know the impact it may have had on them. It’s like a little hit of dopamine for the soul.
When it comes to GBU and other SCI advocacy-related work I find myself involved in, connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of this injury can be incredibly therapeutic for both parties. Whether through my nonprofit, support groups, online forums, or one-on-one conversations, these connections remind me that we are not alone in our struggles.
But this doesn’t just apply to individuals with spinal cord injuries. When faced with personal challenges, it’s easy to turn inward and focus solely on your own pain. But one of the most powerful ways to heal is by supporting others who are going through similar struggles. Building a community of shared experiences can provide strength, hope, and a sense of purpose.
Being a part of a community also allows us to share our experiences, insights, and coping strategies. What worked for one person might be the key to helping someone else. This exchange of information can be life-changing and fosters a sense of solidarity and collective strength.
Furthermore, supporting others can also shift the focus away from our own problems. When we help others, we find purpose in our pain. It’s a reminder that we have something valuable to offer, that our experiences can benefit others, and that we are capable of making a difference.
This sense of purpose can be a powerful motivator. It encourages us to keep moving forward, not just for ourselves but for those who look to us for inspiration and guidance. By supporting others, we build a stronger, more compassionate community and, in turn, find healing and strength in our own lives.
All of this brings me back to the question I was asked by that wide-eyed teenager a few days ago.
My response to him: Service.
I believe that serving others, and by default, the common good, is the meaning of life. At least that is how I feel at this stage of my journey. We all come from the same God, all created in the same likeness. And we all are trying to live our lives, or should be, in a way that will allow us to reunite with him for eternity. I truly believe serving others makes the world a better place for all of us, and if done in sincerity, helps bring us closer to that ultimate goal of Heaven.
I don’t know if this is the earth-shattering revelation the young man was looking for, but perhaps it will give him something to ponder and potentially lead to a positive impact on the lives of others.
And for those of you curious, you can check out good ol’ Curly’s answer right here.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Thank you for sharing your insights, they are always worth to read again and again. A wonderful answer to the young man. I have found that serving others is very therapeutic for those who are survivors of either a disease or an injury. Who knows what that young man may do in his future to help others because of your one word. Stay strong.
Scott this post from you is so inspiring. Thank you.
Great perspective and I couldn’t agree more!
Scott,
Another great article with profound meaning. You have figured out that one thing!
You and your blogs do not disappoint. Always thought-provoking, simple, power messages. I love the way you write and reading the thoughtful comments of your readers. ❤️ Happy, hopeful, spring to you – and thank you for serving us by sharing your journey!
You and your blogs do not disappoint. Always thought-provoking, simple, power messages. I love the way you write, and reading the thoughtful comments of your readers. ❤️ Happy, hopeful, spring to you – and thank you for serving us by sharing your journey!
Scott,
You’re making an impact on so many lives !!!
God Bless you !
Brent Collins
Scott
Thank you. You and how you live your life with the cross you have been given to carry have already touched so many people on a very deep level. You are an inspiration—a gift.
My sixteen year old grandson just fell a couple weeks ago jumping a hurdle and fractured both arms significantly. What a difficult, but humbling experience for a young man! However, he has witnessed and personally embraced the beautiful message that you so graciously shared—service! So many friends, coaches, his church pastor, and family have come forward to help him!
Seeing anyone suffer is difficult, but witnessing the level of outpouring of love through service brings a deep sense of hope that we all need right now! I was so touched by your message (as I always am), but I was also deeply touched by the comments. God bless you, Scott, for your service!
Amen, Scott!
” Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28
Good evening Scott-
“Service”…… what a profound answer. Something that I will remember as I go forward in life. I appreciate you sharing some of your wisdom with us. God Bless!
Hello Scott,
I think your answer was simple, profound, and exactly right. It brought back a memory from when I was a kid—I once asked my dad, “Why are we here?” Kind of the same as asking the meaning of life. I’ll never forget what he said: “We are here to know, love, and serve God by serving others.” I think that may trace back to the Baltimore Catechism, though I’m not completely sure.
Your story also made me think of one of the last meaningful conversations I had with my mom before dementia took so much from her. We were talking about the book “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl and what gives life purpose, even in the hardest moments.
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. It was inspiring—and it reminded me how much our parents’ wisdom continues to live on through us.
Stand Strong!
—Isaac
So good as always, Scott. May your young questioner ponder all these things in his heart.
I think that is a perfect response. You can serve in loud, public ways or quietly but both are needed —- and hopefully that student will reflect on your message. I think teens struggle with the service concept because they are given adult instructions about defined service opportunities but these kids should pull in a neighbors cans or be generous with their talents…not overthink it… working on teaching these concepts to my littles….
Well Scott, what a profound answer. You are correct. This may give him something to ponder, and maybe somewhere down life’s road. For you to come to this conclusion, with all you have been thru, is truly both amazing and humbling for me to think about. There are those who would have a very different mindset after so may losses you have suffered along life’s way. Take, or get what you can? Yet you want to give back… to anyone or everyone who will listen. God bless you Scott ! You continue to inspire me , and so many others ! God bless you, and prayers for continued strength !
Dianne