The term “lot in life” is not an idiom we here these days but as it pertains to the notion of meaning and the place we find ourselves, though somewhat ambiguous, it is nevertheless useful. As we shall see in ancient wisdom traditions as well as Eastern and indigenous mythology have all weighed in on the belief that our sense of purpose is very often inextricably connected to the place we are born and more important where we live out the days of our lives. Where we live in this context is not about geographical location, the kind of house or our level of material affluence but rather it is much more about relationships and the our individual growth. This individual growth is much more than mere autonomy and what the modern paradigm of the age determines as success. Rather, it is about our contributions and influence over the lives of those closest to us.
A 'Lot' defined
There are several ways the term “lot in life” has been used. Through a little investigation on the internet I have found some interesting explanations of its historical roots. It is believed that it may come from the term hlot “a straw or die or chip of wood that represents someone’s portion in some transaction or in some gambling game often with that person’s name written on it & often as used in drawing lots or casting lots”1 Another explanation describes “lot in life” with this historical insight; “Villages in several parts of the world would periodically redistribute the assigned use of parcels of communally owned agricultural land by drawing lots. When/where lands were owned/controlled by feudal lords, lot use was assigned by them on whatever basis they chose. The type and quality of an allotted parcel, however chosen, as well as the availability of water and other resources, would determine whether it could best be used as orchard, cropland, or pasturage; the amount and type of work necessary to make it yield a living; thus it set an upper limit on the degree to which a family could prosper. As it was very difficult -- in some times and places it was illegal --for villagers to just up and go elsewhere, their lot in life was literally dependent upon their lot” 2 Finally, the traditional go to explanation has been the Biblical account of the story of Abraham and Lot found in the book of Genesis. For our purposes here our “lot in life” can simply be thought of as the culmination of both our talents and inherited limitations & blessings as well as what our choices have dealt us for better or worse.
There are several ways the term “lot in life” has been used. Through a little investigation on the internet I have found some interesting explanations of its historical roots. It is believed that it may come from the term hlot “a straw or die or chip of wood that represents someone’s portion in some transaction or in some gambling game often with that person’s name written on it & often as used in drawing lots or casting lots”1 Another explanation describes “lot in life” with this historical insight; “Villages in several parts of the world would periodically redistribute the assigned use of parcels of communally owned agricultural land by drawing lots. When/where lands were owned/controlled by feudal lords, lot use was assigned by them on whatever basis they chose. The type and quality of an allotted parcel, however chosen, as well as the availability of water and other resources, would determine whether it could best be used as orchard, cropland, or pasturage; the amount and type of work necessary to make it yield a living; thus it set an upper limit on the degree to which a family could prosper. As it was very difficult -- in some times and places it was illegal --for villagers to just up and go elsewhere, their lot in life was literally dependent upon their lot” 2 Finally, the traditional go to explanation has been the Biblical account of the story of Abraham and Lot found in the book of Genesis. For our purposes here our “lot in life” can simply be thought of as the culmination of both our talents and inherited limitations & blessings as well as what our choices have dealt us for better or worse.
An uneven lot
Perhaps you have heard or even repeated the popular mantras, "life is just not fair" or "there are three things that are guaranteed - being born, paying taxes & dying"
Some of us are born into wealth others poverty, some born brilliant others less inclined to the mastery of knowledge, some handsome others homely. Over the years of life we make decisions on the basis of our beliefs likes and dislikes with the hope that in the future those choices will make our existence satisfying. Add to this the many other factors that we have little control over such as the health of our loved ones, the economy, and the myriad of factors that can affect how we live, the culmination, the sum or picture of our existence may be referred to as our “lot in life”. There is often a negative connotation to the idiom because it conveys the notion that we are in a sense trapped and limited to the boundaries that this lot we find ourselves in implies.. Very often our “lot in life” may not be even remotely be close to what we desire, think we deserve, or be comparatively close to what others have even if they are not deserving in our opinion. However, if happiness, prosperity or status-quo is our only goals then perhaps we would have a reason to feel we have been shortchanged in the lottery of life. Living with a purpose contextualizing our dreams around the pursuit of meaning has a powerful potential to liberate us from the tyranny of the limitations of our lot in life.
When we take the crucial step of considering our purpose or the meaning of our life, the issue of our “lot in life” may very well be re-contextualized or even transformed. With a little assessment we may realize that we are certainly not perfect. Perhaps we have made choices that in retrospect was less than perfect and for better or worse the results are often at best mixed. Some of us have worked very hard and have lots of material stuff and comforts to show for it. While others have worked hard and have little in the tangible sense, but have experienced a life rich in relationship and experiences. Much of western thinking has been trapped in the pursuit of things, the comforts of wealth, and the illusory sense of protection that money provides. The work and time invested into providing materially for those we love and not being a personal burden to anyone is honorable and purposeful, while, the ambitious striving after material comforts and the false sense of security that stuff provides can become a deterrent to the pursuit of meaning.
Think deeply about what it is you really want in life.
Look around you. Look at our world. All the cities, buildings, houses, cars, shopping malls, clothes, toys for big people & little people! Stuff, stuff and more stuff.
Is this what it is all about.
None of these are bad or wrong, it seems that they have just become so important in our worldview.
I know so many people who on the one hand declare that stuff is not important, but, they would not dream of changing their lifestyle, their jobs, sell their houses or cars.
Perhaps one of the most precious commodity we get in life next to the air that we breathe is time.
Think about how you have spent your life. What have you invested your time in? What were your choices in the past concerning what you invested your time in? Where are you expending your energy, emotionally, intellectually and how do you spend your time?
How about the people you surround yourself with? How do you really feel about your family, your friends, the people you work with?
These are some of the things to consider when we evaluate our 'lot in life' and perhaps what is truly important to us.
If there is something of a yearning, a deep seated dissatisfaction in heart then perhaps something is not right!
Perhaps we need to work at making changes. Perhaps we need to be more thankful for what we have. Perhaps we need to think about what our purpose is in the 'lot' that we find ourselves in.
Perhaps you have heard or even repeated the popular mantras, "life is just not fair" or "there are three things that are guaranteed - being born, paying taxes & dying"
Some of us are born into wealth others poverty, some born brilliant others less inclined to the mastery of knowledge, some handsome others homely. Over the years of life we make decisions on the basis of our beliefs likes and dislikes with the hope that in the future those choices will make our existence satisfying. Add to this the many other factors that we have little control over such as the health of our loved ones, the economy, and the myriad of factors that can affect how we live, the culmination, the sum or picture of our existence may be referred to as our “lot in life”. There is often a negative connotation to the idiom because it conveys the notion that we are in a sense trapped and limited to the boundaries that this lot we find ourselves in implies.. Very often our “lot in life” may not be even remotely be close to what we desire, think we deserve, or be comparatively close to what others have even if they are not deserving in our opinion. However, if happiness, prosperity or status-quo is our only goals then perhaps we would have a reason to feel we have been shortchanged in the lottery of life. Living with a purpose contextualizing our dreams around the pursuit of meaning has a powerful potential to liberate us from the tyranny of the limitations of our lot in life.
When we take the crucial step of considering our purpose or the meaning of our life, the issue of our “lot in life” may very well be re-contextualized or even transformed. With a little assessment we may realize that we are certainly not perfect. Perhaps we have made choices that in retrospect was less than perfect and for better or worse the results are often at best mixed. Some of us have worked very hard and have lots of material stuff and comforts to show for it. While others have worked hard and have little in the tangible sense, but have experienced a life rich in relationship and experiences. Much of western thinking has been trapped in the pursuit of things, the comforts of wealth, and the illusory sense of protection that money provides. The work and time invested into providing materially for those we love and not being a personal burden to anyone is honorable and purposeful, while, the ambitious striving after material comforts and the false sense of security that stuff provides can become a deterrent to the pursuit of meaning.
Think deeply about what it is you really want in life.
Look around you. Look at our world. All the cities, buildings, houses, cars, shopping malls, clothes, toys for big people & little people! Stuff, stuff and more stuff.
Is this what it is all about.
None of these are bad or wrong, it seems that they have just become so important in our worldview.
I know so many people who on the one hand declare that stuff is not important, but, they would not dream of changing their lifestyle, their jobs, sell their houses or cars.
Perhaps one of the most precious commodity we get in life next to the air that we breathe is time.
Think about how you have spent your life. What have you invested your time in? What were your choices in the past concerning what you invested your time in? Where are you expending your energy, emotionally, intellectually and how do you spend your time?
How about the people you surround yourself with? How do you really feel about your family, your friends, the people you work with?
These are some of the things to consider when we evaluate our 'lot in life' and perhaps what is truly important to us.
If there is something of a yearning, a deep seated dissatisfaction in heart then perhaps something is not right!
Perhaps we need to work at making changes. Perhaps we need to be more thankful for what we have. Perhaps we need to think about what our purpose is in the 'lot' that we find ourselves in.
A purpose already lived is meaning a meaning already found
No one knows for sure how the daily grind of our lives, even the most mundane activities, and what we perceive as the many insignificant actions, selfless deeds & encouraging words will one day add up to. What it will all come to stand for in the minds of those we have shared life's journey with, those we love and cherish, . The place that we live, our ‘lot in life’ may very well be the point in which history changes direction for many, a life lived out in consistency and commitment to others, could provide a fertile soil capable of giving a source of inspiration, through example, to many who would struggle without an model to build on.
In the end we may be able to reflect upon the years of life that may seem wasted to pointless mediocrity transformed into a story that served a significant role in shaping the lives of those we love and made those sacrifices for.