Today as I was driving I noticed a man in his truck talking with his child. He had a look of blank consternation on his face, perhaps some frustration, with rather disheveled hair and a mustache. It reminded me of a moment in my late teen’s when I was driving to this really cute boy’s house, Steve Larson, as I now remember his name, and I saw this elderly man, probably in his late 60s walking to his mailbox. I remember wondering what his life was about? What had he done? Had it given him joy, purpose? I can still see his face and his rather shabby clothing. I remember thinking, did he know “love” or was his life lonely? It felt lonely to me with his closed curtains and wilted yard.

The driver today had that same look, the look of questioning, the look of wondering what his life was all about? Did the drama have purpose? Was his conversation with his child objective, meaningful, or was it just another moment, another day of doing duty? I look at so many people and wonder if they’ve contemplated their purpose and why they are here? With things globally heating up and so many things going awry, I feel it’s imperative to really look within at the meaning of life, your life, my life, our lives together.

I know this man. He’s nearly sixty, works like a beast, is incredibly grateful for a good meal, has hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail, will probably never see the Eiffel Tower but has hung out with the Redwoods. Has a high school education, is simple in his needs, desires and speech. Has enough money to keep a roof over his head and his wife fed. He reads informative books and stares at the sky for hours at a time. I think he’s an evolved being, here on his last journey. He embodies what is truly important. He is kind, always jolly, almost like Santa Claus, actually kind of looks like Santa, and is consistently available and generous with his time. Buddha like, I’m thinking.

The difference between these individuals is vast, as large as the Pacific. Being able to grasp what’s valuable, hold onto it in their hearts, laugh at the absurdities and embrace the goodness. Dive into love, move with it, melt into it and spread it around. Work hard, discover purpose, and love every breath, every heartbeat, well that’s the difference. Give back in kindness, offer support and assistance, and be grateful for daily pleasures. Yes, I do think he’s an enlightened being here to teach me, to remind me the simplicitys of life are the most generous and rewarding.

  
But if we remember we can build boats and ships and even submersibles to move across that vast ocean of differences, we then have the inner power to change how we see and do and live life.

Be Santa, think Buddha, live simply.

Cosmic sunshine to you.