I’ve been thinking a lot about this concept, obviously, and one has to wonder how “it” became so important. In my last post I talked about the “significance” factor and I truly feel this is a foundational principle that fuels the “it” myth. I mean, on paper, it seems too good to be true! I mean, who WOULDN’T want to be doing something they not only loved but something that contributed immensely to the greater good. And not only would we all have the chance to do whatever “it” is to us, but do it perpetually for the rest of our lives – never getting bored, disillusioned, understimulated or dissatisfied.
But beyond the drive for significance, I really believe there is a root of fear involved.
As amazing as the draw is to discover and latch on to “it”, the anxiety and ultimate devastation caused by a realization that “it” has been missed or lost is paralyzing in its effect on us. In fact, we would rather do something we hate rather than something that piques our interest if it meant not being available when “it” came around.
As I’m writing this, I’m realizing that the description above might even be too presumptuous. The truth of the matter is, many of us don’t have a CLUE what “it” is to us. And we fear that we might miss “it” because we don’t even know what we’re looking for!
We use the “doors” metaphor all to often to feed into our fears. We wait for “doors” to open, we wait (or even expect) them to close. We get frustrated why certain “doors” aren’t open. We get angry when certain “doors” close. The whole idea affects us emotionally because we value so few “doors” and those “doors” in effect represent and fuel our obsession with “it.”
It’s a paradigm shift entirely to begin exploring the debunking of the “it” myth. It requires a sacrifice of an ideal and instead turns the focus on finding life in the here and now. There aren’t two options: “it” and “not it.” There are, instead, seasons with varying amounts of “it” included. Granted some seasons might include more of “it” than others, but to live in discontent or to live in dissatisfaction is not license to fall into victimization. It’s our responsibility, nay our privilege to spend our lives on account of discovering and relishing “it.”
Matthew 6 says “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” What activities, careers, environments, etc. would genuinely prohibit us from following that directive? Christ came that we may have life and have it abundantly. It’s there, not in a place or a person, but just there.
