Absurdity and the Consequential Stranger

In his essays, Albert Camus states that individual lives and human existence in general have no rational meaning or order. Since most people have difficulty accepting this notion, they constantly attempt to identify or create rational structure and meaning in their lives. The term “absurdity” describes humanity’s futile attempt to find rational order where none exists.

We don’t always pay attention to the cumulative effects of a warm hello, or help with a package, or a daily text, or a photograph that makes us smile. But when someone or something is no longer there--you realize how those brief, subtle, everyday interactions add up. And, it’s not a futile attempt to create rational structure … consequential strangers matter. Relationships needn't be painted as "close" or "not-close," but rather as meaningful. Why--because meaningful relationships are important social and spiritual principles.

We genuinely need people we can trust to tell us the truth, even when it is difficult to hear. In a fast-paced, high-tech, highly mobile society, we must be intentional in cultivating connectedness and community. The joy of living well is found in stepping beyond our independence and isolation towards a quality of life only to be found with others.

If nothing had any meaning, Camus would be right …