Making Sense of Life

I love abstract art but I usually have no idea what the artist is trying to"say" unless it is me trying to say something. Since my character is one that longs to understand deeper hidden meanings, I am frustrated by abstract art because while I may appreciate its beauty, I cannot stand the lack of a clear message.

In fact, part of why I love the Bible so much is the message is often very symbolic, but if I search deeply enough, I think it can be discerned, and the meaning grows like a living being the more I delve into it. Asherel and I do a Bible study every morning, and it is where I most ardently practice the "Socratic" method. I ask her question after question, helping her (I hope) arrive on her own to the meaning of what God is trying to convey.

We were discussing a passage yesterday, and came to the end of our discussion, ready for the grand finale. Just like in my blog posts, I love it if I can conclude our Bible studies with some pithy, heart warming, maybe even tear wrenching revelation that will overwhelm us with its beauty and import, and follow her every day of her life, coloring every breath that she takes. Modest goals.

Anyway, I asked her then, from the passage, what would she conclude is the reason we should do anything in life? Of course, I was already expecting what I knew she would answer, because I had led her so skillfully to the only conclusion. So in my mind, I was hearing her words, "To glorify God and serve Him" and even then repeated just that with her, out loud, smiling and nodding when she finished her answer. Only what she had actually said was, "Because we like to" as the reason for all the things we do in life. We both looked at each other then in surprise, me because I realized I had heard wrong and she because she realized she had answered like a heathen.
"And that too!" she skillfully added, "We do things because we like to, and of course to glorify God and serve him too....."

Psalm 86:12
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.