Friday, September 10, 2010

Wilderness and Meaninglessness

Of the many themes in the book of Ecclesiastes, the one that is most talked out is the theme of meaninglessness.  I have questioned this theme because I am not sure I fully understand which direction this "meaninglessness" points to.  The main idea is that life is meaningless--all is vanity.  I have asked myself, "but is life really meaningless?"  Doesn't it still matter to be a good person and live for God?  

I found stories on two public figures who have found themselves living in the bowels of life's greatness.  A Super Bowl champion, Thomas Henderson had high hopes of becoming an exceptional NFL player.  Unfortunately, this dream was shattered after developing a serious addiction to drugs and alcohol.  Henderson was also accused of sexual assault.  The resulting consequences of his chosen life led to 28 months in jail.  Another public figure, actor Tim Allen, had a problem with drugs and alcohol.  He was arrested for drunk driving and also injured a senior citizen.  Having his own father die from a drunk driver when he was a child, one would think he would not want to liken his actions to the reason for his father's death.  Sadly, his life choices showed otherwise.

Fortunately, both Henderson and Allen realized the danger of their actions.  Henderson has made a complete turnaround and has been sober for over 25 years.  He has dedicated his life to being a motivational speaker and philanthropist.  He also written a book about his life experiences.  Allen has also made a difference in his life.  He is sorry for his past and is grateful to have a forgiving family.  After finding a new reason for living, he has restored his relationship with his daughter, claiming that this new relationship fills the gap left behind from his father's death.  

From reading the experiences of these two people, you can see that life is not completely meaningless.  Life is defined by what you choose to fill it with; tomorrow always gives hope for changing what you did today.  I think if you live a wasted life without God, only then does it become meaningless.  Maybe instead we should say the things--material things--in life are meaningless; but life in itself is very important.  After all, it is all we have to make ourselves worthy for eternity.

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