Like millions of people around the world last night I sat through the series finale of Lost. I never really wanted to watch this show, but on that first night gave into my husband - he does control the remote and I am generally not motivated enough to go into the other room. One episode; that's all it took. I haven't missed an episode in the past six years. Don't quiz me on anything because I probably won't remember details. My brain simply doesn't retain that kind of trivia. Heck, my brain rarely retains important stuff.
I tried to follow the Tweets about the finale. They were hitting so fast it was impossible, but I did notice a couple of interesting trends:
1. Why do people who hate/have never watched/could care less feel obligated to tell those of us who are fans of the show how they feel? And, might I add, often in very foul language. If you aren't a fan - go somewhere else.
2. This same philosophy could be applied to many areas of life. As most of us learned as children, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." Words do hurt. Forget the old "sticks and stones" garbage. Words hurt and they can't be taken back. Choose them carefully.
The internet is filled with folks who, because they are anonymous they feel they can say anything to anyone. My guess is that they wouldn't have the guts to say those things to a person's face. Play nicely with others. You will be able to sleep at night and look yourself in the mirror.
I personally loved the fact that not all the questions were answered. There was much left to the speculation of the viewer and interpretation can be left up to that person, and it will be colored by their personal beliefs and values.
Here is my take - love it or leave it - but remember, play nice.
1. God is love. God will never leave our side - it is we who turn our backs on Him.
2. There are forces of good and evil at work in the world around us and we can't always see or recognize them. I believe that the spiritual world is at work for both sides and we have a choice to make.
3. Every person who crosses our path, no matter how insignificant it seems, is significant. Treat them as you would like to be treated. Another lesson from childhood worth remembering.
4. God cannot be boxed in and just as soon as we think we know it all or have Him figured out, He will surprise us.
5. Hanging on for dear life and trying to be in control of life is futile. We are all here at this time for a reason that is known only to God. Our task is to live each day in a way that honors Him, and to walk humbly with our fellow man.
6. We are all flawed, and we all screw up.
7. Faith is absolutely vital to life. Most of us live a life of faith or a life seeking faith. For me, faith means though I have never seen Him, I live in faith that Jesus Christ lived and is the Son of God who died and was resurrected to save those who believe. There are others who believe differently. As far as I am concerned a life without faith is a life that is hopeless and rooted in this world - it will never be any better than it is right now. When the Lost "survivors" were all hugging in the church I thought about my dad. I'm going to get to hug him again one day. I thought about all the relatives that I barely knew and those I didn't know at all; the friends, acquaintances, and those folks who crossed my path during this life. How amazing is that?
I have lived both the seeking life and the life of faith. Usually both at the same time. I have been a regular church goer and a non church goer. I found flawed humanity at every level of church life. I have been a "holier than thou" finger pointing Christian - for which I am truly sorry. I have worried that I might do something wrong and loose my salvation - that rule follower personality caused me much pain.
I am now in a place that is beautiful. I love God. He loves me. I feel His presence daily and I see how He has chosen to work through me every single day. Do I always get it right? Heck no! But I now know that I can't screw up so bad that the fate of the world is at stake (yes, that is how whacked out I used to be).
And, that, is the message I received from the finale of Lost. This was truly more than a television show for many of us. It became a part of life. Nothing to worship or make more important than it was, simply something entertaining and transforming. Thanks.
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