Just read about a woman who was trampled in a Wal-Mart. Apparently the other patrons were so busy in their respective searches for junk to buy that they completely ignored this helpless woman at their feet.
I graduated last May with a Marketing degree. I help run a marketing company. And reading that made me sick to my stomach. Something is wrong here.
Our lives have become so much about the pursuit of more. I know, it’s a cliche. But cliches exist for a reason.
My grandfather created new explosives for mining in Alaska during the 60’s and 70’s. He also helped invent the collapsible steering column. The man became ridiculously wealthy. Had a terrific place on Lookout Mountain. Had all the trappings that worldly success brings.
When he was dying of cancer, he became a Christian. Happy ending? Sure, in one sense.
But the man also died with despair. He looked back at his life and what he made of it. His conclusion was that it was an enormous waste. All of it. His life was for nothing. And he was too old, too sick to do anything about it. All he could do was live with regret.
He had all the stuff. And it meant nothing.
When I think about my life, what my dreams have consisted of, I’m filled with despair. I’m a pretty creative guy, and have always wanted to capitalize on that creativity to make as much money as humanly possible. I’ve managed to put quite a track-record of successes together during my short time on Earth. My closest friends all enjoy the game of telling me what I could do and how much I can make. It’s easy to buy into it.
I have. Completely. If unchecked, I could very easily be just like my grandfather. I could make millions, creating clever products that people can buy for their loved ones while trampling their neighbors. I could have a nice house on a mountain. I could have all that stuff.
But it would mean nothing.
It’s a very scary thought, because it strips me of what has long been my biggest goal. Why would I intentionally pursue a goal that I knew deep down was hollow?
What really sucks, what scares the living hell out of me, is that there’s still a very good chance I’ll do exactly that. After all, my loved ones all believe in me. I can’t let them down. Right?
I love Christmas season.
