"At Once I Knew, I Was Not Magnificent"

This title line is taken from Bon Iver's Holocene, the song featured in my most recent post.

I have been listening to this album a lot (A LOT - 2 words not 1!) lately, I simply love it. My iTunes play count has well surpassed a sum of 150 plays within a week of owning the album.

The line "... and at once I knew, I was not magnificent" has got me thinking. You know those conversations when it's you and your friend looking at the night sky and then you realize that your problems, your duties and even your life ultimately mean nothing?

Think about it, there are billions of people who currently live on earth and there have been hundreds of billions to walk the earth before you have, so why would you be anymore special than the countless others? I know I have had a few of these experiences, just attempting to comprehend human history, the inevitable future and how a single life like me can somehow fit in there. I guess these questions walk the same line as trying to figure out a meaning to our lives in the grand scheme of things... It's pointless - isn't it?

While I have often taken the viewpoint explained about seen life as nearly pointless - through faith I see everything in a completely different regard.

I see a beauty in the intricate design of each individual that walked this earth. Understanding that each person had their own personality, physical characteristics and unique composition.

I see a vastness that is overwhelming. God created a universe and people with souls to fill it. I must let go of what I think I know, and hang on for the ride of this big ol' plan of His.

I see an opportunity to make a difference. I can take the life that I was given and rather than dwell on how insignificant I may be, I can use my experience and my circumstances to aid those who have found themselves trapped in the same circumstances. I can use my life to better the lives of those around me.

Rather than reflecting on how small and insignificant my life may seem to be, I love to look at the aspects of faith and God, attempting to make those fit in with my idea of the world.

It ultimately boils down to this: Love. My religion is not some form of Christianity but rather love. I believe in love, the ability for every person no matter who they are or where they come from to be drawn to this force, this LOVE.

1 John 4:8b - "For God is Love"

Somehow, though it all, LOVE WINS, period.