So, this past weekend, I watched an interesting and suprisingly inspiring documentary about the man behind the puppet: Kevin Clash.
(If you’re really interested in seeing it, it is currently on Netflix now) Just watching his passion for his field and his calling at such a young age, I really felt that connection with him. He was fully invested in this and he wanted to be the best…and to be the best in a way that would (and still does) change the world and the lives of the people around him.
However, there was one part that stood out to me. Because of how involved and busy he was as Elmo (as well as running alot of behind the scenes productions for Sesame Street), he had a hard time connecting with his family. Later, he would become divorced. In the documentary, he shares how he wishes he could trade all the kids he meets with his daughter, who he rarely sees. It was a tough reminder of the price many in the industry pay.
That is the one thing that scares me about this industry which I am entering…it is almost expected that families will fall apart. Now, I understand that anyone that’s more invested in their job than their family this will happen to and it supersedes every industry. It just seems like people have to sacrifice more if they want to get into film, media, and entertainment. And I worry about that from time to time. Because, despite the late nights, it’s what I love to do and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. But, I never want it to come in between my future family or even my present family (which would be my parents, my siblings, my friends and fellow believers, and even God…the most important relationship anyone could ever have).
But, I know myself…I know that it can be easier to escape into a project then accept responsibility…to be with people…But, living in the love of God and showing that love to His people and the people that belong to the world….that is a feeling that I think trumps ever making it to the top in any industry…and for that, I know there is hope for me…
