The Sacred Inquiry: Rediscovering Purpose Through Asking Why

Embarking on my Clinical Pastoral Education in a hospital has been a catalyst for delving into the profound "whys" that shape our understanding of life's significant questions.

One of the blessings of clinical pastoral education (CPE) in a hospital is that we are encouraged to ask why on all things. We are encouraged to so do because as a healthcare chaplain, my patients will ask me "why" when they face existential threats. Why am I sick or why did God allow this to happen? Why are things the way they are and what is the meaning of life? These are just a few questions patients ask me as a chaplain and this simple, yet neglected act of thinking has fallen by the wayside and may contribute to a life devoid of Godly blessings and fruitful living.

In the spirit of asking why, I went for a bike ride at a local trail and asked the big question. I asked God why he gave us life and why are we on this planet. His response was so that one day he could fully be with us again. He said that there was a time in which he walked with us in the garden of Eden, but sin ultimately separated us from our perfect and holy God.

Once separated, we can no longer stand in God’s presence and exist. In fact, I have realized that he may not want to see or can't see us according to Genesis 3:9 in which He asks, “Where are you,” after the fall. This proves the disconnect and got us banished from the garden and sent to earth for the correcting of our souls by Christ, in the hope that one day he (the great Shepherd) will lead us back to God. Further, Isaiah 6:6-13 proves that we are filthy in our current stats and need to be refined.

Then, the Spirit led me to Revelation 21:3 which says, “Then I heard a loud voice from the

throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his

people, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

This simple yet ignored tenant of our faith changed my theology and more importantly, praxeology. I have learned to use scripture, each day and the lessons they bring, as a conduit to perfect my soul so Christ can lead me back to the Father. Following Christ now and during his reign will perfect our souls and restore harmony between the Creator and created. How exciting it is, to no longer be an enemy of God and to realize he did all of this so we can one day we can fully be in his presence.