I watched ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ tonight. The movie won Oscar awards for art direction, makeup and visual effects – all of which are stunning for their believability.
But one idea in the story line gives food for thought … that although born “old” Benjamin was a child of God … worthy of life … and although “different” his life had purpose.
Yes, the story is totally fantasy … no one can live their life backwards. And yet isn’t that the way it is … the young want to add age and the old want to take it away. But the lives we have been given – they have purpose as they are.
While pondering this idea, I ran across this poem – new to me –
I have studied many times
The marble which was chiseled for me—
A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor.
In truth it pictures not my destination
But my life.
For love was offered me and I shrank from its disillusionment;
Sorrow knocked at my door, but I was afraid;
Ambition called to me, but I dreaded the chances.
Yet all the while I hungered for meaning in my life.
And now I know that we must lift the sail
And catch the winds of destiny
Wherever they drive the boat.
To put meaning in one’s life may end in madness,
But life without meaning is the torture
Of restlessness and vague desire—
It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.
~ Edgar Lee Masters
If only the poet knew the Master of the sea – could find purpose, direction, fulfillment in Him!
In my restlessness, may I seek His kingdom, His face … and savor the days he has mapped out for me!
