Sunday, August 12, 2007

In Youth and In Old Age

Tonight, I went to see The Color Purple on Broadway. I had not read the book nor seen the movie version staring Oprah Winfrey. Needless to say, I did not know what to expect other than American Idol winner Fantasia belching out the soulful songs in the lead role.

The show was good. The thick accents were true to the era and at times hard to understand. The acting was great!

I was struck with a central message when I left. In youth, we strive to become what we think is the proper adult situation: success in your career, a happy marriage full of kids. And in old age, we tell everyone to just kiss off and do what makes us happy: pursuing a career because of happiness, having unconventional romantic relationships.

It got me to thinking.... Am I right? I've finally found work that I enjoy, albeit, I spend way too much time there. I've stopped pursing a romantic relationship in general; instead I surround myself with a few key friends and don't really pay attention to many others around me. I am nowhere near the age of a sage, but have I really stumbled upon something this important this early in my life?