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Do you have an iPhone or another Smartphone? Think for a moment of all the capabilities that it has. It’s a mobile phone, it has email and data capabilities, but that’s just the beginning. Today you can literally run your whole life from the Smartphone in your pocket. Your Smartphone has better technology than the Apollo 11 that landed on the moon!
Now, I have a question: Can your Smartphone be used as a paperweight? You know, if your window is open and you don’t want the wind to blow all the paper around. Of course the answer is yes, it can be used as a paperweight. In truth it may very well be that you actually use it as one from time to time. But is that why you bought it? Is that the sum of its capabilities? Of course not!
In a similar vein lets take a look at your life - can you find meaning in life by cleaning highways and volunteering at the local zoo? Of course! But is that your purpose of being? Is that why you exist?
I would contend that the reason why you exist is far greater than the areas in which we so often find meaning. In order to properly understand why we exist we have to turn to the One who caused us to exist: G-d.
The Torah provides us with the purpose of our existence; in order to live according to the G-dly precepts and make this world a G-dly place.
Can we find meaning in other areas of life? Yes, of course. But it could be that we are basically using an iPhone as a paperweight and nothing more.
Incorporate Torah study and mitzvah observance in your daily experience; this will enable you to get the most out of your life!