You may not recognize Bill Watterson's name, but you probably know him as the creator of "Calvin and Hobbes." The classic duo (of the same name) is the driving force of Watterson's beloved comics, entertaining bumper stickers and Watterson's fun drawing style (which was recently paid tribute to in some fan-made Star Wars comics).

Recently, some of Watterson's life advice was released on Imugr in a "Calvin and Hobbes" style comic strip (although not illustrated by Watterson himself). Seemingly inspired by his own story, Watterson's advice is amazing. I won't bore with you details (because you can easily read it yourself), but I will say this: as a confused 20-something who often has quarter life crises, I need to hear his words of wisdom.

So often it is easy to resonate with the first parts of the comic.

"Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement."

"[It is] as if a job title and salary are the sole measure of human worth."

"You'll be told in a hundred ways, some subtle and some not, to keep climbing and never be satisfied with where you are, who you are, and what you're doing."

It seems like our society places so much emphasis on material possession, wealth and career that everything we do must be constantly doing more, setting yourself apart or improving oneself.

Now, these things are by no means bad. Careers, money and possessions are not necessarily bad things and ultimately come down to a stewardship issue (think "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller). Working hard in order to attain certain goals is great, especially when we consider that God calls us to excellence in our vocation. Working towards a better you, when not idolatrous, isn't bad at all either.

However, these goals become a problem when our value hinges on these things. Society has created a voice inside us that tells us, "If I don't get [fill in the blank], I am not worth as much. Maybe even worth nothing." And worse, so many goals, ideas and aspirations (even beyond the career sense) fit into that blank: so far in my spirituality, a certain GPA, that relationship, an ideal body type, a specific appearance, promotions, jobs, money. The list goes on and on.

Trying to achieve all these things is probably why people are so stressed, anxious and busy nowadays. Attempting to do well in multiple avenues of life because we think it will increase our value as person. It makes it almost impossible to find a career and/or lifestyle that allows you to grow in and express your passions while also attaining the goals you are so certain you must reach.

But, as upsetting as these ideas are, Watterson ends with a beautiful statement of hope, especially when considered in light of the gospel:

"To invent your own's life meaning is not easy but it's still allowed and I think you'll be happier for the trouble."

As Christians, it can be easy to forget that our purpose (or meaning) in life is to glorify God and enjoy him fully (see Westminster Shorter Catechism). A goal that may sound simple, but is difficult to achieve due to the balance it requires. In terms of happiness, Sammy Rhodes provides some good insight in his recent book "This Is Awkward," "... happiness is less something we can directly seek than it is a by-product of seeking the right things in the right ways." And luckily, through Scripture, we know what we should seek and the correct, godly way in which to do it.

And possibly the greatest motivation in this quest comes from remembering that your value does not hinge on those blanks you think you so need. Instead your value comes from being made in the image of God, who loves you solely on the basis that you are his. Your life won't end if you don't get the perfect GPA. Just because you don't look the exact way society tells you to does not mean that you are any less beautiful or valuable. If your nap goes a few minutes longer than it's supposed to, you won't be forced to drop out of college

Your friends won't leave you if you don't get your dream job (and if they do, maybe they're not really your friends or friends worth keeping). Your salvation won't leave you if you sin.

You have the freedom to fail in your aspirations because, at the end of the day, you are loved infinitely and unconditionally by the Creator of the universe. Loved so much, in fact, that He died on the cross for you.