Chasing Life...

Hey there. I'm getting ready for work this morning and have been thinking about a discussion that I was a part of the other day. This whole thing about longevity and the possibility of never aging. I read quite a few of the articles about Dr. Sajay Gupta's new book...appropriately titled Chasing Life. I'm quite fond of Gupta's health care and political lectures regarding the field. But, I've found this concept a little disturbing. Feel free to check it out for yourself. Below is a link to the CNN site for more information.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/chasing.life/

This is more of a philosophical (perhaps theological as well) discussion today. Does increased longevity and the possibility of evading death impact the value of life itself? I think so. Why are we careful with our children? Why is salvation important? Why believe in God? Why is any situation (almost) sufferable?

I think that the answer to all these questions is the same. Life is transient and temporary at best. Love comes and goes. Pain, loneliness, despair; they too come and go. Happiness and joy? Well, we'd like to make that "stick". But listen, something could happen in a second that makes that all a memory.

My point is...Life has value on all levels because it is transitory. The things that people struggle with are the ones that seem to never end. It's when we are succumbed by the darkness and can't even see the stars through the night. Joy can be sprinkled with sadness. Being "manic" isn't good when it takes over and makes the bipolar individual over spend, party, or live life in excess. But, many times it's what the person craves and inevitably the polarity of it takes over and judgments are skewed.

I just don't think I want to live forever. I mean, seriously? I am kind of looking forward to a nap before the after-life. And, the concept of "forever" here on earth is actually quite frightening to me. I cherish the idea of heaven and getting my old body back (prior to having kids). But also, if this is it. Yikes is all I have to say. I've lived a hundred life-time movies. And, I think that death is the ultimate reset button.

So, no thanks. I will keep my stretch-marks and frown lines. I will take my aches and pains. I will cherish my tears of joy. I will go to the doctor when I am ill or need another heart surgery. But, I will also choose to age and therefore die versus live forever.