We stake our lives on our purposeful programs and projects, our serious jobs and endeavors. But doesn't the really important part of our lives unfold after hours" - singing and dancing, music and painting, prayer and lovemaking, or just fooling around? —Father William McNamara

Living well and fully experiencing life means squarely facing the question of purpose and meaning. On the other hand, it is important to seek a balance and not get deadly serious about the whole matter, for, as the saying goes, life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.

So go ahead and ask the questions, examine motivations, read about the lives of inspiring people, meditate on the ultimate purpose of things, but at the same time live with your questions when you can't come up with any definitive answers. Relax, laugh, and play when things get too serious and you realize that you'll never be finished with learning, changing, and growing.

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