Several years ago two young women wrote a book, The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties. According to their story, they were disappointed with the way life was turning out for them. Instead of finding fulfillment after college, they found themselves disillusioned. In their own way they began asking, Why are we here? They were experiencing what they called "the quarterlife crisis."

Whether it's because of a quarterlife crisis, a midlife crisis, or a retirement crisis, the same question is asked by millions of people: Why am I here? or What is the purpose of my life?

Jesus' parable about the bags of gold (or talents— measures weighing about 75 lbs. each) helps to answer that question. Each of us is created for a purpose, regardless of whether we believe or don't believe in God. And to fulfill our purpose, the Lord has entrusted us with gifts and resources, to be used to serve him and to build his kingdom here on earth.

Each of us in our own way and in our own setting has been placed on the earth to love God and to love our neighbors. It's up to us to use the gifts and resources we have been given to begin serving our Lord in our everyday lives.

When we use the gifts we've been given, we will someday hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"