Friday, June 27, 2008

George Carlin... and eternity

As you grow older, it is only logical that more people you know (or know of) die.
So... When I heard that George Carlin had died, I got a bit sad.

I started to remember some of his comedy from the early days - I was a child of the 70's, when the big event was everyone gathering around the TV and watching together - for us, it was usually a variety show, Carol Burnett, Sonny and Cher... but somewhere in there, I remember meeting George Carlin.

The funniest comedy routines are always recognizing the normal everyday things, then speaking of them and adding a crazy twist - and this was always true of George. I will never forget his hilarious routine about STUFF. He talked about all the stuff we have, then when we go on vacation, we take a smaller version of our stuff with us in a little suitcase... he was just brilliant.

But then, I began to wonder where George was spending eternity.
He seemed like an okay guy - someone you would like... he did lean toward being crude, and his language was too strong for me at times... but I know that these do not determine your final destination.

And I became sad. Sad for him, and then sad for others who have not accepted Jesus as their savior. It is so simple to ask for forgiveness for our human condition, and then to acknowledge that there is one God that created everything... so why is it that not all will accept?

I am reminded to live today with eternity as my focus. And that all of this junk, ALL of these routine and boring details of our lives, even the glorious wonderful things, ALL of it, will fall away and be no more. Because we are living with numbered days. We ARE going to die. Our bodies are starting to die from the moment of our birth. And it is inevitable. So please pay attention to what is truly important. Eternity is a long time.

In order to not leave you with a depressive, sad post - I want to share a few of my favorite George Carlin quotes:
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

I'm always relieved when someone is delivering a eulogy and I realize I'm listening to it.

Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.

Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did.

The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept.