During an episode of the TV series “Lost,” one of the best television series, Hurley, the big guy in need of a diet, told Jack: “You know what’s wrong? We’re just not having fun,” the best kick-in-the-ass comment made by any character in the series.
Jack, the medical doctor, the guy who always needed to be in control, the leader whom everyone relied on finally “got it.” In the midst of danger everywhere–from the jungle, the “others” on the Island, the lack of food, the over-extended plane trip with danger all around–Hurley decided to build a golf course and make life “fun” again.
Hurley, the guy you’d least expect to offer comfort, sensed the stress and dismay of those who survived the plane crash. He created hope for those lost on a strange island by “creating golf courses and hope on lost islands.” He realized that people in dire straights need to have “fun” to stay sane.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, followed by “black Friday,” the start of the Christmas shopping season. There’s a cold wind blowing in shopping centers and Santa is loading his sleigh this year with essentials he raided from Walmart. HD TV sets are off the gift lists this year. It’s time for extra blankets to warm us as we turn the thermostats down.
Watching shoppers in stores is like visiting a morgue. The smiles are well-hidden. The laughter hard to hear. The fear is palpable. The uncertainty everywhere. Hope is hard to find. It’s like being lost on Hurley’s island without a golf course in sight.
As I’m writing this piece, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” started playing on my mobile phone. Great music, even better lyrics for all of us:
When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
During these times of internal strife and anxiety, comfort yourself, build your own bridge over troubled waters with the help of others.
And don’t forget to create your own mental golf course as you wander on lost islands. Fun and happiness are just beyond the next tree.
