cross-posted from: https://exploding-heads.com/post/185121
There seem to be a growing number of unmarried people today who may have been brought up to view their purpose in life as being tied to having a family, and they may be getting too old to have kids (in the case of some unmarried women for example).
How can they find a sense of meaning in life without a family?
I have trouble wrapping my head around this, due to the understanding that a person could dedicate their life to God and live as a celibate as like a monk or priest or nun if they don’t marry, and I feel pretty content with the idea of being married or single or in some religious commitment.
But this seems like it may be a growing problem for other people who do not share my outlook and I was wondering if people have ideas on how these people can cope with the issue.
“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” - St Augustine.
They can adopt pets or foster them and save them from being uthinized. I’m not talking getting a puppy or kitten. I’m talking about the ones that most likely won’t get adopted the older ones and such.
I was going to say volunteering, but I changed my mind because although it’s rewarding, it’s basically kind of a ‘job’ in the sense of commuting and so forth. Versus relaxing at home.
Possibly move in with loved ones or friends if that’s even something to consider.
Are you crazy or just indoctrinated? The issue does not exist, family and especially god are simply not required
I would humbly submit that you don’t know what happiness is.
There is a convent in Gower Missouri that is all over the news (so they’re easy to find.) They have a good web presence. You can also find YouTube videos of interviews.
You will not find anyone happier than those nuns. They have surrendered themselves to God and to their community. I would say that God and community are essential to happiness and meaning.
Yes there are plenty of grumpy priests and religious people, somehow that doesn’t stop those nuns from smiling. A lot.
If you want happiness in your life, begin looking there.
