What is the meaning of life?
We have all asked that question at some point in our lives. My pastor touched on that topic recently, and it caused me to reflect on why we were created. I am probably more introspective about that right now because I will begin the journey into a new decade this summer – the big 5-0.
I find that I am reviewing my life to make sure that I am fulfilling my purpose, as I move into the next chapter. My pastor shared some thought-provoking quotes, including one that said “the meaning of life” is to use our talents and to leave the world a better place than when we entered it.
I have tried to live my life that way in my first five decades. I actually always thought that I would be a missionary serving overseas because I truly believe that we were created to love and care about each other. In my mind, for what other reason are we here?
So when I became a news anchor/reporter in the mid-80s, falling into this career out of college with no interest in being on camera, I thought, “How did I get here?”
This wasn’t necessarily a life calling to missionary work. Over the last 29 years in broadcasting, though, I have learned that we can do missionary work wherever we are. There are ways to serve others right in our own backyard.
I believe that I am in the media business to use whatever talents I have to “serve.” At each station where I’ve worked, I’ve had the chance to emcee or volunteer for many community events or organizations. But my work colleagues thought I was losing my mind when I chose to leave an anchor job in Dallas, Texas, one of the nation’s biggest television markets, about 10 years ago.
I did it, in part, because I wanted to report more “good news.” When the community affairs director position opened at WTHR TV (Channel 13), it spoke to my heart. Now, I am blessed to profile non-profit organizations in a Noon Focus interview segment where I tell people how to serve their community or how to get help for their own needs.
I also lead all of the station’s community service campaigns such as, “Coats for Kids,” “Shattering the Silence” against abuse, and the “Race for the Cure” to fight breast cancer. And every day, in the WTHR Cares Community Calendar announcements, I get to show you ways to connect with your community through events or volunteerism. Who says you can’t be a missionary wherever you are?
To me, the meaning of life is to care about others and to do our part to “make this world a better place.” I have found that life is more fulfilling when we think outside of ourselves. If you agree, consider being a missionary wherever you are. You can get ideas on how to get involved and serve others on the community page of wthr.com.
You can email comments to Angela Cain at acain@wthr.com.
