Examining life for deeper meanings is a twentieth century preoccupation. We assume that things are not what they seem, that words disguise hidden feelings, or actions symbolize something else going on on the inside. We try too hard to discover the hidden meaning, when there just might not be anymore to it than what is on the surface.

An engineer, a psychologist, and a theologian were hunting in the wilds of northern Canada. They came across an isolated cabin, far removed from any town. Because friendly hospitality is a virtue practiced by those who live in the wilderness, the hunters knocked on the door to ask perm…