Lent Day 7: The Meaning of 20 People Kissing

I was sitting around and knew exactly what today's blog was going to be about. And then I heard about a viral video that had 10 couples of random strangers sharing a 'first kiss.' I thought it might be a funny thing to watch so I clicked on the link. It started out with the awkward beginnings of each kiss and evolved into 10 moments of connection in our often disconnected world.

I must admit I sat there mesmerized watching these strangers share a moment. Each couple got over the awkwardness of their kiss and jumped into the kisses with their minds and bodies. Each time they viscerally morphed into couples. It was amazing.

And it was staged. While the people were supposedly strangers to each other they were not just random people plucked from the street. They were actors and models and singers and screenwriters and who knows what else. The question I am left with, is this, 'does it change anything?'

I don't think so.

The moment I watched the video I was transported to a moment, the moment. And in that moment I thought about these people finding someone in a moment that could last for forever. You see we are never guaranteed the rest of the day, let alone a long life. And while I can't get behind the YOLO movement I do think that we should be attempting to live our lives for all we're worth, to live them to the full.

So often, for me, it comes back to Jesus, which I suppose makes sense since I'm a pastor. And Jesus said that he came so that we might have life and have it to the full [John 10:10]. That our life would be better, more well rounded, more full if we followed him. I believe this means, at base, that if we live a life of love, which is what Jesus ultimately asks us to do, our lives will be infinitely better. How could it not?

Imagine a life lived without hate? Without envy? Without mistrust? Without regret? Wouldn't that life be better than the life you currently lead? I know mine would be better if I could land in the target that I aim for. I don't have it all together, far from it, but I believe if I can ever get there my life will be better.

20 strangers kissing may not be a world changer, it might not even be true, but that doesn't mean that it lacks meaning, it doesn't mean it doesn't contain truth. I sat there engulfed in their moments because I long for those moments in my life, not the kiss, but the connection.

May we all find the connections that we are missing in our lives, and may we live lives of love so that our lives will be as full as they possibly can be.

Peace and Love,
Pastor K