Rationalizing the Irrational

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why did it happen to them? Why was it them and not me? What if....? These are questions that are often asked in times of grief. Horrific accidents are not rational and can't be explained in rational language. If they could be explained in rational terms, if the events can be rationalized then the events would not present the puzzle they do. It might seem callous but we should not waste time trying to rationalize irrational events.

So how do we cope? How do we make sense of a situation that has no meaning? The only rational explanation I can come up with is the irrational. Many would have us believe that human existence is merely four score years on this planet then oblivion. People who subscribe to this seek irrationally to create a legacy, something to leave behind, a reminder that they were here.

Others subscribe to a belief in the existence of a higher power....God, Allah, or some other being or power. The key thing is that they have faith in a power outside of themselves. Something that governs the order of the universe. Often this type of belief is associated with a belief in life after death or eternal life or multiple consecutive lives. Again the key thing is there is a belief in something beyond this present life. There is no need to leave a legacy. This life may end at death but there is something beyond this.

A popular product asks "What gets you up in the morning?" Well, what is it? A desire to create a legacy that will will last beyond you or a belief that there is more beyond your four score years? Without a belief in something beyond this current mortal life there is nothing to get you up in the morning. Most people will not have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy beyond their immediate family......so why bother? With a belief in something more, this life ceases to be precious.......which makes it all the more enjoyable.

So, what will get you up in the morning?