Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

             Last week, while on vacation, we had a glimpse into the world of the rich and famous.  We saw the lavish vacation homes of people like the Rockefellers, Goodyears, and Pulitzers.  Vacation homes so large that we could probably fit two or three of our houses into one, and they only used them for about three months out of the year. 

            As we toured Jekyll Island, we heard about their lavish lifestyle, with servants to meet every need, a Clubhouse accommodating every game you could dream of, and large rooms and great lawns to accommodate their never-ending parties.  Most of the mansions didn’t even have kitchens as they could go to the Club Dining Room to be served.

            Yet, we also heard that the pains of this life did not overlook them because of their wealth.  Some died shortly after their lavish homes were completed, never to experience the joy they thought they would bring.  Some, after experiencing the loss of a loved one, never visited their special mansion again because the memories were just too painful.  Some family members refused to come to the island because of the bugs, so the families were divided for a time.

            Ultimately, they were all forced to abandon their mansions and treasured possessions when the United States Government forced them to evacuate the island during World War II.  They left everything behind, subjecting it to looting.  Finally, the government put everything in storage with no idea of who owned what, but that really didn’t matter, since few if any ever came forward to claim their property.  The rich and famous never returned, and today, the island is a Georgia State Park, where people like us can view the restoration of their lavish lifestyle.

            Those of us who are average, blue-collar type people often wonder or even envy how the rich and famous live.  However, when it comes right down to it, their lives aren’t so very different.  Loved ones still get sick and die.  Dreams are often shattered, and ultimately, they lose everything they valued in this life.

            Their lives become a stark reminder that this world is not our home.  Our real treasure is laid up somewhere above.  The real wealth, the real joy, the real satisfaction will not be found in this life.  We were made for something better! Our mansion is still being prepared for us, and the “party” will be never-ending!

John 14: 2

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