In our search for meaning in life, we go to people, books, search engines, history, isolated spaces, faraway lands, stories, art, and the works of our hands.
In my life, I have found meaning through work.
I have come to recognise my image and likeness by the work of my hand.
What do I notice in what I create?
My creations are perfect and complete in the moment. When the moment passes, it always requires some finishing.
My creations are beautiful and joyful in the moment. When the moment passes, it always requires some lighting.
My most consistent creation is my writing. Let me use it to illustrate.
Before I send, post, or publish any of my writings, it is perfect and complete in my own eyes. Some moments later, there is a tweak that I realize could have made it better.
In the moment, my writing is a source of beauty and joy. When the moment passes, I see the shadows that were cast by my position and find the words that can light up blindspots.
The process helps me see when reflecting on my being: In every moment, who I am continually needs improvement, but that does not takeaway the wholeness, beauty, and joy in my being.
Which is what love is. Love is the ability to see the beauty in both the perfection of the whole and the imperfection of its parts.
For me: Meaning is love made visible through the works of my hands.
– Osasu Oviawe