Jakob Magiera - Spirituality

Spirituality

The Longing for Meaning and Purpose

Every person has some topics which, when asked about them, he gets really excited. For me, meaning, purpose, God, afterlife, and Jesus are such topics. But it hasn't always been like that.

I grew up in a home that was heavily influenced by the cultural upheaval of the 60s, so religion wasn't an emphasis at all, though it was not banned, either. Openness, critical thinking and exploration were encouraged. However, as a teenager, I found myself somewhat empty, feeling incomplete. When my parents encouraged me to spend a year abroad, something in me saw it as an opportunity to address those feelings.

I ended up in the USA, where, for the first time, I met teenagers who believed in something profound on their own. My search for identity and belonging resonated and I ended up converting to Christianity, and I have been practicing that faith ever since.

Over the years, my faith has changed, though, and I believe it will continue to do so. Still, the big questions of life continue to haunt me and I have yet to find a better answer than what Christianity has to offer:

Where did we come from?
Why are we here?
Who am I?
Is there something after death?
How do I choose what to do in life?
Why is it so hard to be content?
Can I be changed on the inside?

I hope you will join me on the journey to answer those questions.