14 November 2007

A country song about life

"And I never wanted nothing more..." Great words from a great country artist, a man who seems to grasp so much of life and yet still search for contentedness. Kenney Chesney is still single, has not really committed to any particular lifestyle beyond being a major country music writer and star, and yet that does not stop him from possessing wisdom. And I am thankful every day he comes on the radio and shares it with the world. His work is profit-driven of course, but I think there is more to it than that. If we really get a hold on what we are talented at, we can do it, and with some tweaking, make a profit at it and live a financially successful life. The reality that we are doing what we love will drive us to personal success and wisdom as well.

Well, I have not yet found what that is for me, but listening to talk radio and country music over the past couple of months has sure helped me get a better grasp on what's most important in life. We first have to find a means to provide for our existence. No one of us asks to be born, but we are here, and this is both a great gift, and at times a great burden. Because to be here means that we have to live, we have to contribute, or we will not survive; or at least that's the way it should be for all men and women who are capable of contributing. We must be prudent in this so that our contributions to the world, will not only help the world grow, but will also help us to grow. If we are stagnant in what we do it will reflect on every aspect of our lives. Once we have found this, then we are capable of providing for a family, doing good works; living a life for Christ in whatever capacity we choose. We must recognize the importance of contributing, but also realize that it is only a means to an end. Why did the first immigrants to this country farm the land? Because they had to to in order for their family to survive. We have moved so far away from that reality now. Careers are now viewed as more important than building a strong family. Work consumes the life of the worker, rather than the worker consuming the fruits of his work. Let us not forget that what are most important; bigger than any career or job, are our relationships with one another, and principally with our own family.

Search well for your career and vocation, for it will be your livelihood, but remember too that despite the greater amount of time that you will spend working, this time must drive you to spend greater quality time with the ones you love. Would that we could all find our individual niche, for then we could experience joy approaching that which we someday hope to experience in heaven, and "never want nothing more."

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