Meant to Live

The band Switchfoot has a song titled Meant to Live. In the chorus they say, "We were meant to live for so much more." In the song, the Protagonist is lamenting a wasted life. A life he feels should have more meaning, doesn't. He's moving along in life and isn't satisfied. There should be more than this.
I watched a movie yesterday. Freedom Writers. It's based on a true story of a first time teacher in South Central Los Angeles after the riots. The teacher, Erin Gruwell, is an idealist. She really believes she can make a difference in the lives of a bunch of gangbangers.
By the end of these kids freshman year, Erin is making a difference. These kids are living in a war zone. Drug deals, drive by shootings and gang violence are a part of their everyday lives. At one point, Andre, one of her student had missed quite a few days of class and his grade was dropping. When Andre returns to class, Erin speaks to him in the hall before class. After talking to him sternly, she gets close to him, pokes him in his chest and says, "I see you. Andre, I - SEE - YOU." That statement made all the difference to Andre. Isn't that what so many hurting people in our world really want? To be seen by another human being? To be acknowledged? Isn't that somewhere on Maslow's hierarchy of need? Love. Acceptance.
I think everyone believes they are here for a reason. No matter their philosophical or theological beliefs, I think deep down, all people know they have a purpose. But finding and realizing that purpose is a whole other story.
I hate that so many never realize their purpose.
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