Observation, on the meaning question. My reply was taking into account humanity as a whole and not just thinking about myself. You're reply centred around meaning for you with friends and family validating your meaning.......
Over and over again we hear superior physical strength isnt ones gaurentee of success in sport, mentality is just as important towards performance. State of mind is crucial, deadline with pressure is key.
Years back I qualified for the world skills Olympics 2004 iirc, manage to get through to the 3rd round and the next would have been training in Helsinki for the televised competition. I didn't go no further but the pressure to do a skill in the comfort of a small workshop compared to the world stage is said to be very different and that's where mentality takes over. You have the skills to do a job, however can those skills be shown on the world stage?
I think new and shiny are attractive entities, science is new and constantly evolving. The Bible is old and found at the back of bed side tables collecting dust, figures.
Peace and love