PURPOSE

It is hard to see a purpose in life that can seem so unfair, so unjust, so hurtful and disastrous. I hear noises outside my window early this morning but it is too dark to see anything. Finding purpose and meaning in life can often seem to be looking into the darkness.

Reading about Izzeldin Abuelaish who wrote "I Shall Not Hate" he is able to see the good that comes from misfortune. He grew up in a refugee camp among the disenfranchised, dismissed, marginalized and suffering. This is what refugee stands for. No home, no homeland, no freedom, no security and very little hope.

He begins to see good things come out of what at first seem like tragedy and unfairness. He develops arthritis which sends him to be treated in a hospital and his desire to be a doctor is born. The teachers at school encourage him to work towards this goal. He also has to work hard to help support the family and one job he gets is with an Israel family who treat him fairly and he sees in their family life similarity with his own family.

"We were peoples more like each other than not." Even when his home is destroyed by Israeli tanks, a home of one room, no water or electricity, no toilet etc. he does not fill his mind with hate.

Later he will lose his own beloved three daughters and his niece to a Israeli shell attack on his home where they are sleeping.

His purpose that began as wanting to help his siblings and his own people improve their lives now broadens into wanting his daughters deaths to be the last sacrifice on the road to peace between Palestinians and Israels. He has been a spokesperson since this tragedy.

One of his goals is to promote education and advancement for Palestinian girls and women to honor the memory of his daughters.

Some times it is hard to discover our purpose in life but I would encourage all my grandchildren and great grandchildren to read all they can to discover what is happening in our world today and to reach out to help those less fortunate. There are so many people who need a helping hand or a word of encouragement. We can always learn more and in learning share. A very important gift is to also be a listener.

We are going to the Bell Center for church today. I love the lively music and also there will be a good message to listen to.