One evening after dinner a few winters ago my younger brother and I went for a walk which we had done frequently since I had moved back home. We would usually stargaze and converse about life and the future. This particular evenings conversation was more of the same and rather unremarkable with the exception of one brief exchange which I will never forget. 
In the course of our walk I asked my brother, Ja’rel who must have been about 15 or 16 at the time, “What is the purpose of life? What’s the point? Ya’ know.” I don’t know what I was expecting him to say, if he even answered at all.
I should probably preface this next bit with a little background on my brother and our relationship. Ja’rel is six years my junior and he is one of my very best friends. He is deeply intelligent and commonly ironic; we are confidants. It is not unusual for me to call him for advice or to get his take on a situation if I am vexed. To say we are close is a gross understatement.
Anyhow, back to the tale at hand, his immediate response to my question was a moment of silence wherein he looked at me as if to determine if I was asking my question in seriousness. I remember his face bearing this look of aggravated disbelief like he was thinking, how could you seriously not know this. Then without a second thought he answered me, “The purpose of life? The purpose of life is to love God and do His will.” I don’t know who was more shocked me at his answer or him at my question. After that bit of dialogue, we moved on to much less profound or at least less memorable conversation. After all what more could be said on that topic.
Today my daily devotion app brought this memory to the forefront of my mind once more. My kid brother was right.
Micah 6:8
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
koiland 
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