Is there an answer to the the question, "What is the meaning of life?"

Many of us, at some point, spend time searching for meaning and purpose.

We spend considerable amounts of time pursuing the right school, the perfect job and our relationships with family, friends and potential mates.

Some may discover purpose in their career, significant other, a hobby or in their faith in a higher being.

Others strive to answer life's most pressing questions while attempting to conquer obstacles and challenges, hoping one day to reach "that point."

I recently commented to a few people my 30s have been filled with experiences requiring some degree of inner strength and determination.

Although this decade has not been the easiest, I am grateful for the help I have received along the way.

Without the assistance, love and encouragement of others, my desire to fight and celebrate life would not be what it is.

Am I where I want to be? No.

However, the more time you live, the more you see life, even a life filled with strife and challenge, can have unexpected blessings.

With brokenness comes beauty, with pain comes a sense of being alive and an awareness you are still living.

Life is not easy. No matter what your age, your finances or your health, life will throw you a curve ball.

Many years ago, when I was younger walking home from a baseball game, my late grandfather shared a valuable piece of wisdom I hold close to my heart today.

While up at bat during the game, I stepped away from the ball, fearing I would be hit. This resulted in my striking out.

My grandfather's words were simple.

"Don't be afraid of being hit by the ball. Step into it, don't back away from it."

I've taken that lesson to mean: Don't be afraid of life banging you around.

Life will beat you up. It will want to send you back to the dugout, empty handed, with your head hanging low, feeling defeated.

Step in to life. Even when it's hard.

Many in our communities and across the nation are struggling due to the stagnate local and national economies.

Hard times have struck us all. In difficult times like these, we should try our best to look at the brighter points in our lives and push forward.

How can any of us truly appreciate and celebrate the good times if we were never confronted with the difficult and dark moments?

And when those dark, tough moments come, allow family and friends to lift you up and help.

Maybe one day, you will be able to pay it forward by being a source of encouragement and help to another who is struggling and feeling hopeless.

Until then, embrace both the good and bad times.

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press