Issue 86- "Game Over"

We have been called specks. Nothingness when compared to the raw size of the cosmos. We register as a mere blip on a scale of time that has existed for at least 4.6 billion years. Yet each of us is immeasurably special in his or her own way. We can speak, write, hold abstract thought, and communicate with a clarity unseen in other regions of space. We can love, hate, or be indifferent. Laugh, cry, or kill each other in the blink of an eye. Yet what things are most important to us? Money, property, fame. We all known in our hearts that these things die with us, but we forget about the more important things in life in order to focus on these items, because they are very important parts of who you are here on Earth. We forget about how special it is to be able to love another person. We forget that the person in the car ahead who cut us off may be in a hurry to take their Mom or Dad to the hospital. We forget to thank the Creator of this wonderful planet for all he has given us with every breath we take. We are all guilty of this at one time or another. We must not forget who we came from, who created us because if we do, then we are no better off than dead. Y’know, I was told the other night that it upset me not to know everything about everything. They were correct as much as I hate to agree….but it is not fame or wealth I chase. I chase knowledge to help others in need. I chase knowledge that I might become a better person, both in my heart and in my deeds. I do not chase knowledge to throw it up in others faces that I know more than they might, nor do I do it to become wealthy. I just see the way people hurt differently than most do…I can read people more easily than some. That is my gift, and my curse. As we look back upon the events that unfolded three years ago, I can not help but think that we have moved backwards after “moving on” from the events of 9/11. For a very short while, we were truly a nation united, totally and wholly. Now cracks have begun to appear in the foundation, and people need to remember truly how precious life is to each and every person. Think of your life without these things, and weigh each of their importance in everyday life….

A cappuccino: it is delicious, gives you energy-without it, what are you missing? Perkiness

A loving family: they care about your safety every day- without? You feel alone and not very confidant

Money: it buys items, gives you an excuse to hang out- without? No gadgets, no “friends”

A true friend: lends you a shoulder to cry on in times of need- without? You ARE alone, and have no one to intimately share your problems with other than your family, if you are so blessed

Knowledge: helpful at winning Jeopardy!- without: you are intellectually slow or considered retarded

Wisdom and Love: helps you make the right decisions in order to live a life closer to God, and a simply more fulfilling life- without: even with lots of knowledge, without wisdom and love to guide that knowledge you will simply stumble through life, getting tripped up by the same problems every time you hit a good stride

Does this list make sense? It does to me. Look inside yourself tonight and decide what is most important to you. Is there someone who has wronged you and you still hold the grudge against them? Is there an old friend who has turned away because life is simply too “complicated” to deal with you? TALK to people you see…don’t just stumble around life having meaningless arguments and pointless conversations. Re-spark old flames, live life to the fullest, be happy. That is why we are here…we are not here to rack up possessions and fame…we are here to spread Jesus’ love, and to minister to each other, every day. Please pray for our nation, your friends, your enemies, and your world, that you do not lose sight of the most important things in life. This is Heath Lail, signing off from the Café.

Goodnight.