Empty Lives...

The Academy awards are over, with back slapping probably continuing for the rest of the week. But it's not the awards ceremony that I want to take aim at, it's a statement by a woman who won front row seats to the Oscar show.

"I've always wanted to do this," said 48-year-old Pam Ford, who won front-row seats from a TV station and brought three friends. "To win and sit in the front row, it's beyond comprehension, anything I ever dreamed of. I could die tomorrow." (see complete article here.)

Now I know that in the heat of excitement and exuberance, we tend to say things that are over the top. But, Pam's statement strikes me as profoundly sorrowful. I don't know Pam from Adam so this is not directed at her per se, it's directed at society in general.

If the biggest night in Pam's life is attending the Oscar awards, then what does that say about her life? Is it so empty and shallow that to be in the audience is the apex of her existence where by for her to pass from this earth she would have had a wonderful life?

I don't believe that Pam would be the only one to have that feeling about Oscar night, I believe a majority of people would probably feel the same. We spend our time in front of the TV or movie screen watching actors and actress portray stories that become a part of our lives, a part of our psyche. Wouldn't it be great to be apart of that 'world' for just one minute?

But what about the real lives that we are living? Have we lived it to the fullest? Or are we hoping and wish for a better life portrayed as on the screen?

The truth hurts sometimes. And I think if most of us reflect on the true nature of the life we live it would hurt, and probably hurt deep. All those missed opportunities to do better, to make more money, to have true love, etc, etc, etc. The list could go on and on. But God has provided something that we rarely think about: forgiveness.

We need to forgiven ourselves of the past mistakes and seek forgiveness from others. Then we need to move on with our lives towards more meaningful and fulfilled lives. Truth be told that's the hard part, but also the most rewarding. God did not place us here to find fulfillment in watching others act out the life we wish we had. No we are to live the life God had given us to the fullest.