Thoughts inspired by Byron "Buster" Bluth

So, for those of you who don't know, I go to church with many folks who work in the entertainment business. When I moved to southern California, I, first of all, had no idea that Pasadena was really just another part of LA, and two, that I would become build close relationships with many people in this industry (or "the" industry as it's referred to out here). Tony Hale is one such person. He and I are far from bff but go to church regularly and know each other by name and face/chat from time to time about superficial things. Tony is best known for his role as Buster Bluth on the sadly canceled show Arrested Development. The Tony that I know, however, is an elder at my church and quite active in the church life. Recently, he spoke at Fuller to an audience of wide-eyed, Buster loving students about his faith and career. There are many thoughts that I could share with you regarding this event but what stuck with me was one of the most simple but profound thoughts.

"You must practice the discipline of contentment where you're at. If you don't practice where you're at, you'll never get it where you're going." This was said specifically about the entertainment industry but can easily be applied to all such circumstances. "Once I get cast, I'll be content", "if only my pilate would get picked up...", "Once I get that job...", "Once I'm married..." and countless other situations that we seek contentment in. It's critical, especially in this industry but in life in general, to learn what it means to be content where you are. The future you desire will never fill the holes you feel. This can only be filled with the contentment provided by the Lord's presence in your life in the here and now.

Sorry, this is sort of rambling but it's finals week here and so my brain is mostly shot. You can see Tony in an upcoming role in the independent flick Happythankyoumoreplease.