The sudden and premature death of film star Heath Ledger has devastated his family, friends and fans. His promising career and outstanding talent have been lost. Confusion remains about the cause and circumstances of his death. But tributes to his talent and concern for others continue to flow in. He appears to have stayed connected to his roots and to be more focused on using his gifts, than with gaining fame or money. In the midst of this grief and support “some US religious groups have vowed to picket any (memorial) service to protest the actor's portrayal of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.” (www.theage.com.au 27/1/08) What is it about such events that grab our attention? Why does it stop so many of us in our tracks? Perhaps it is because it reminds us of the uncertainty and value of life. As I heard the news I was reminded of the saying, “Life is not a dress rehearsal”. We only get one “shot” at it. So, we need to live it to the “max”. For some people, the uncertainty of life causes them to shrink back in fear, to play it safe, to avoid taking risks in case they get it wrong. For others, it challenges them to seize the opportunities that come, before they are gone.
Don’t be fooled into “wishing your life away” by just living for the weekend or longing for the next holidays. Count every day as precious and see it as a gift from God. “Seize the day” as Robin Williams so aptly put it in “Dead Poets Society”. Don’t ask, “What could go wrong today?” Instead consider, “What can I do today that will help me to grow and learn as a person and as a member of society?”
Second century Christian St. Irenaeus said: - "The End of man is the glory of God; the glory of God is a man fully alive." We were made to bring glory God. So, when we live life to the full, we live as God intended us to live. Living like this brings praise and honour to God. In the words of Jesus, “In the same way, let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16)
What about those planning to picket Heath’s memorial service? It seems to me that this is an insensitive and unhelpful way to lodge their protest. Even those with whom we may disagree deserve respect and compassion in their grief.
The sudden and premature death of film star Heath Ledger has devastated his family, friends and fans. His promising career and outstanding talent have been lost. Confusion remains about the cause and circumstances of his death. But tributes to his talent and concern for others continue to flow in. He appears to have stayed connected to his roots and to be more focused on using his gifts, than with gaining fame or money. In the midst of this grief and support “some US religious groups have vowed to picket any (memorial) service to protest the actor's portrayal of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.” (www.theage.com.au 27/1/08)
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