Pastor Ken
Recently, while we traveled on the Amazon River in Brazil, our guide took a few of us on a small boat to look for alligators. By the time we reached the shore, darkness had already fallen. The guide, wearing a headlamp, scanned the shoreline and directed the boatman where to go. After a short while, we arrived at a spot where we saw nothing. Then, in a split second, the guide reached into the water with his bare hand and pulled up a two-foot-long alligator. Grabbing its neck and front legs securely, he explained its ecological environment. The boatman then took over, making the alligator open its mouth so we could see its sharp teeth. Of course, we visitors couldn’t help but take pictures. After our excitement subsided, the guide released the little creature back into the water.
The next day, we set off before dawn on another boat trip to explore the nearby waters. When we arrived at a certain spot, the guide asked the boatman to turn off the engine and told everyone to stay quiet. Again, at first, we could see nothing. But as we followed the guide’s outstretched hand, we noticed a monkey sitting in a tree. Soon, we spotted more of them swinging among the branches. One bold monkey even turned to look at us as we were leaving, as if saying goodbye.
Why could the guide see animals while we saw nothing? Because he was familiar with the environment—not just looking with his eyes, but also listening with his ears. He knew exactly what he was looking for, how animals behaved, and where they lived.
This is like going to a furniture store to buy a table. First, I form an image in my mind of a flat surface supported by four legs. Then, I look for something that matches this image and find a table. Expanding this concept, I realize a table could also have three legs, or two thick legs, or even just a single pillar in the middle—as long as it can support a tabletop. Going further, even a wooden barrel, a tree stump, or a rock could serve as a table if a flat surface can be placed on top. With this broadened understanding, I can enter a furniture store and find many different types of tables.
This example deals with three-dimensional physical objects—first forming an image in the mind, then identifying shape, size, color, and material. Once I see the object, I know I’ve found it. However, some people struggle to form images in their minds, making it difficult for them to find things. On the other hand, they may excel in abstract thinking—easily remembering stories, appreciating poetry, or understanding the emotions of others.
In the fourth century, Saint Augustine described how he searched for the meaning of life and failed. He indulged in extravagance and pleasure, yet none of it satisfied him. Only when he encountered God did he exclaim, “You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” He looked in different places for blessedness and peace but found nothing. Then one day, he encountered God through Jesus Christ and discovered the purpose of life.
If we don’t know what we’re seeking, we might miss it even if it’s right in front of us. Many sages and saints have shared their experiences of finding life in Jesus Christ. By following their guidance, we too can encounter God and uncover life’s ultimate purpose.
