The Purpose Driven Cola Can

The Purpose Driven Cola Can

Ever enjoyed your favorite Cola in a can? I am sure you have. Did you know that the can opener ring on top also serves as a straw holder? I didn’t, well not until recently that is when I read about it. It made complete sense though. From experience, we only sip beverages off the edges of a tumbler, not from the top. Right?

I think the above seemingly trivial example has much for us to think upon and learn from. Let me share some thoughts.

Purpose and Creativity

Purpose concerns a creative mind. To be creative is to be able to bring something into existence. In doing so, the creator also assigns its purpose. Purpose is the reason why something exists – whether long term or immediate. In the case of the Cola can, the design of the opener ring is for a purpose. Humans are creative beings and can perceive purpose. In fact, we are concerned about it. To be able to think about ‘purpose’ is to have a special nature and ability. This I think is distinctive of humans. I believe that God created us to be creative – just like Him. So, whenever we flex our creativity in any field whether art or science, at work or home, or just in thought – we must remember where it comes from and employ it responsibly and with a grateful heart.

Purpose is best learned from the creator. Want to appreciate a painting? go to the artist. Want to be able to use a gadget better? go to the manual – better still, hear about it from the person who created it. I find it entirely possible that it must have been a Cola company guy who pointed out the straw holder on the Cola can. I often think that the reason I am not using my camera to its full potential is because I have never bothered to read through its manual. We humans, are created by God and we have a purpose too. When we live our lives well, our lives will be lived to their full potential realizing their purpose. If purpose is best learned from the creator, then we should find out what it is from Him.

Purpose and Reason

Consciously or otherwise we always seek reason in everything – A purpose.  In doing so we are really trying to determine the course of action we must take with whatever is at hand. So, while knowing the purpose may not set things straight, it does align them in the right direction. Knowing why a book was written enables us to read it in context. Distinguishing the use of a flat brush from a round one, enables us to paint better. Similarly knowing the purpose of our lives will enable us to live each day better, in the right direction. Things have changed after I have understood the secret of the Cola can, I now look for a straw or just pour out a glass.