The concept of “life” is interesting, isn’t it?  You’re born into circumstances you have no control over, you spend the rest of your time here trying to make sense of it all and regain some sense of control, and when it’s your time, once again out of your control, you die.  I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who rightfully wonder, what’s the point?

Seriously, what’s the point?  There is so much suffering in the world, so much violence, so much anger, so many people out for themselves. Can we do anything to negate the negativity we see in our world? Sure, you and I are good people and we try to do our best but what is our purpose in the world and can we make a real difference?  I’m beginning to see that if we listen and look closely enough, our purpose will find us and yes, whether it’s on a tiny or grand scale, we can make a difference.

Sometimes that purpose comes from a place of love and comfort. For instance, one of the reasons I advocate for music education is because I know what a difference it made in my life and the lives of others. However, I think there can be more of a purpose in those things that cause us pain and heartache.  It’s losing a loved one that inspires us to write a book to help others.  It’s the experience of having a preemie that inspires us to volunteer to hold premature babies in a hospital.  It’s experiencing poverty that drives us to help others in that same situation. It’s the experience of an unhappy childhood that inspires us to advocate for children.  That would mean, the point is to help others who are going through life events that we have experienced and survived.

I found myself speaking to a congressman’s aide the other day about why I believe with my whole heart that music is important for every child.  I don’t always have the numbers to prove my point, and I understand that providing music for every child isn’t on the same level as say, feeding the hungry, but for some children, those who struggle in school, those who think of dropping out of school, those who need an expressive outlet or a place to be themselves, music is their salvation.  How do I know?  Because it was both literally and figuratively my salvation.  And the thing about humans is, if I’m in need of this, so are others and it’s my job, my duty, my purpose to advocate for those kids who NEED music in their lives.  And providing access to all kids guarantees that those who really need it will get it.

So, what is the point?  The point is not to just live and die but perhaps to live for others and die to ourselves by fulfilling our purpose here.  And my purpose, the point of my being here is to advocate for children through music education.  Maybe we stop asking “what’s the point” and start asking “what’s my purpose”.