It seems the atheistic universe has no room for purpose. (Please notice how I define atheism).
Its important to remember that I cheerfully acknowledge that many atheists take themselves to be living purposeful lives. (Not that the consistent atheist, who finds no purpose to their life, is likely to object! What would be the point?).
There is a tension within atheism (Please notice how I define atheism):
1. On a personal level, many if not most atheists are generally hopeful people.
2. On a philosophical level, atheism as a worldview cannot sustain hope.
Together, these two ideas lead to the conclusion that:
3. Atheists who choose to be hopeful are making a leap of faith.
There are a lot of unending processes in the world. Crops will always need rain. Cars need maintenance. Dishes have to be washed, clothes need to be cleaned, floors must be swept and mopped.
We all have similar, equally insatiable desires. Children will always need encouragement and opportunity. Spouses will always want appreciation and affection. Employees want to be respected and rewarded.
At the heart of this is the universal desire to be loved.