Lucy and I watch "Tuck Everlasting" this afternoon. It was okay--another 'somebody dies at the end' movie. Shocker. There was a quote in it that made me think. "Don't be afraid of death...be afraid of the unlived life."
What does that mean? Am I not living my life if I get up and do my housewife chores everyday? Is Keith not living because he fills his responsibilities first and has little time to play? I think the term "unlived life" is a justification for many people to shirk their obligations. I know people who just got up one day and decided they didn't want to be a parent or spouse any more and walked out the door. I know people who just decided they didn't enjoy their career and walked--without any alternative plan in place.
There's more to living than being fulfilled. In fact, sometimes I think fulfillment is a luxury. I mean, if I put out my easel and painted all day everyday, a part of me would be full, but 14 other parts would be empty. If we used the little leftover money we have to visit some exotic location instead of yielding to the knowledge that we'll have to buy a new car soon, would we be living our lives more or better? I don't think so.
The other thing that got me thinking in the movie was how Winnie had to choose between living now--with all that entails, e.g. changing, having children, growing old; and being with the one she loved--forever.
I'm glad I don't have to choose. Temple marriage is a good thing.
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