The Meaning Of Life: Cracking Walnuts

How many "meanings" does Life have? Are so many books, so many approaches, solutions, patched-up words, religion-du-jour - all for the erudite, the philosophical seeker, or perhaps for the humble pilgrim? Or are they only dried weeds that scatter under the crunch of our travel-worn sandals as we stumble on a road less taken?How many ways of teachings, to date, have we watched parade by our ringside seat only to fall in a heap at the bottom of Life's recycle bin? Will they be resurrected and re-christened some esoteric, undecipherable New Age babble to further clutter the human mind? More pot holes on the Path of Life? More road signs pointing go East by West?Not everyone is an erudite, philosophical seeker.
Some of us are just somewhat normal people hoping to get through today without too many stumbles. We hope there is Meaning to guide us through the shadows on our path. My old Neapolitan grandmother, Mama Lena, would stroll through her modest garden and fill her welcoming apron with Nature's bounty for dinner. As a two year old, I followed her through the aromatic foliage chewing on a string bean. Then we sat, in peace, shelling peas, a calming meditation.
Time to think, to wonder at the Meaning of Life. Nothing to distract us from the caress of silence and the comfort of each other. The "Meaning of Life", is so obvious, so simple, how can we not see it, touch it, laugh and cry about it? Can "Meaning" be conveyed in words? How can you explain the taste of a sun-kissed, fresh tomato?Are we lost? Or, are we on a walk to a place where we can sit, together, quietly and crack walnuts?