Spend a Life

I’ve recently been contemplating the human ability to connect with one another and the tremendous potential for harm and good that lies within it (which is brilliantly explored in the film The Descendants). I’ve come to the conclusion that the power to connect is greatly under-valued.

We are taught to stand out. From a young age, we are encouraged to pursue our gifts and we receive compliments when we do them well. The prevailing “good” message seems to be to hone our gifts despite what cultural authorities say. Stories of young people defying their parents’ wishes of having a good career to follow their own artist paths are extremely romanticized. I think that this message may also lead us astray.

I think that instead of pursuing what makes us special, we should pursue what makes us powerful. And I think that what makes us powerful is the most common ability that a person receives: the ability to love.

We are at our most capable, our most world-changing, and our most unstoppable when we love. When we forgive others we tap into a beauty that transcends our own abilities and when we care for others we offer a healing force that is stronger than medicine or art.

I don’t think it’s wrong to pursue your passions. If you love to sing, play, write or whatever, do it. Do it well, but don’t let it get in the way of your love. Don’t neglect human relationships so that you can spend time building up your own kingdom. Make your life’s work about the building of OUR Kingdom.

That’s what I think right now.