Posted on 08/03/2003 12:05:51 PM PDT by Sir Gawain
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George Carlin's Insight
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By April Shenandoah
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| For the past two months I have been traveling the country in my van having an amazing adventure. The trip has consisted of visits to family and friends, political research, and ministry. Presently, I am having a long overdue visit with my brother and his beautiful family in Virginia Beach, VA. Though I am on the rode, I still take the time to write my weekly column. So -- while Joanna (brother Jim's wife) is graciously in the kitchen whipping up her special tuna for lunch, I am at the computer in my lovely guest quarters. News wise, I could have easily written about U.S. officials being on Saddam Hussein's trail trying to flush him out -- or about Republican Governor of Alabama, Bob Riley, whose largest tax increase in state history ($1.2 billion) is losing his devout supporters. And, how about the 12 creative men who floated a truck from Cuba to Florida only to have the Coast Guard sink it! However, when I read the piece below written by comedian George Carlin (who recently lost his wife), I decided that his poignant insight should be shared -- Carlin's reflective message: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share precious thoughts in your mind. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
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"One of the more embarrassing items making the internet/e-mail rounds is a sappy load of s**t called "The Paradox of Our Time." The main problem I have with it is that as true as some of the expressed sentiments may be, who really gives a s**t? Certainly not me.
Poor April shoulda checked her sources.
Another burned out comedian from the 1960`s. Everyone enjoyed him, for a while. The he got repetitive and boring.
Huh?
Sorry ma'am, but it doesn't say much of anything to anyone, even you. You could get as much comfort from popping some Zoloft and wearing a cashmere sweater.
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