When I think about life on planet Earth, as well as in the GFFA, I sometimes wonder how people choose to do what they want in life. We live in such a dynamic and wide world that it seems at times overwhelming to really know what to do with one's life. I can only imagine what that's like in an entire galaxy full of options. I wonder if Luke thought that as he stared at the twin suns? Or if Anakin did as he thought about being a star pilot and a Jedi and who knows what else?

I suppose to narrow it down somewhat, it's almost an exercise in discovering what one is good at, or what makes one happy to be doing. Why are some people good at certain things, and others not? How does a person end up being a world-renowned artist in music or painting? Or become a superstar in hockey or baseball with a talent that surpasses 99% of the population? Or become the best darned landscape designer with a keen eye for beauty and detail that others don't see? I suppose talent plays a part, but where does that talent come from ... how is it nurtured and blossomed into a fulfilling career or hobby? And why don't more people truly do what they're talented at doing or really want to do? I know many people do, but I also know several people who don't and who feel stuck in their current situation.

And I think of the Jedi in a situation like this. A child is discovered to have Force ability and the Jedi whisk in to ferry the child away to nurture and blossom their talent for them. Is this what the child is meant to do with their life? Do they have a natural talent to be a Jedi as Jedi are envisioned? Or are they only there because the Jedi instilled their Order to have democracy over all who were born Force-sensitive? Don't get me wrong, being a Jedi is a respected honour, but is it one that each child would make for their self? Both Luke and Anakin knew about the Jedi, but didn't know they would become one and they both became good at what they do. They were both strong in the Force and learned new things that they didn't already have a natural talent for. Anakin, unfortunately, took a ride down a slippery slope, but he still had his natural talent for the Force, albeit he used it for dark purposes. And Luke discovered that he had many talents, and suddenly knew what he had to do with his life and what he was good at.

And what they both did in leaving Tatooine is took the one chance in life to do what they had to do to become who they were. If you were offered one chance at changing your life, would you take it? I think many of us can see chances coming up to knock on our door, but are too unsure or nervous to make a change. Not always though. I had a chance to make a change in my life several years ago, to start in a new direction in which I thoroughly enjoyed. Am I still doing what I am "meant" to do? Maybe not. Maybe I'm still looking to the horizon for answers and waiting for opportunity to knock on my door once again.

But what truly sets people apart from a life lived and a life loved is passion. Passion for doing what they truly love to do, passion for making a difference in their own life or the lives of others, passion for being happy and fulfilled for taking that one chance. You always know when someone is passionate about what they do ... it stands out like a wonderful energy about them. You just can't ignore it. And maybe the younglings that came into the Jedi fold were passionate for what they were coming into ... into such a hallowed and respected Order to learn the ways of the mysterious Force and be a beacon of hope and peace in the galaxy. I think that's how Luke and Anakin came into it. Anakin had his shortcomings in his fear without his mother, but he was passionate about what he did. He was so passionate by the end that he would do anything to save his love and protect her. Unfortunately he couldn't save himself or her, but his spark of passion was renewed when he knew who Luke was ... it's like Anakin came alive again, especially when Luke threw down his weapon and his life.
And Luke became passionate in becoming a Jedi and saving his life, his friends and the galaxy. He took his one chance offered to him and accepted it with passion and dignity, and chose who he wanted to be.

We all have choices to make in this lifetime and who we want to be. We all have varied and specific talents that may help us to discover what we want to do. But to truly know you're doing the right thing, what you're meant to do, is doing it with passion. Sometimes doors will open up for us, as they did for Luke and Anakin, because we're meant to be at the doorstep. But taking the chance and walking through with passion and confidence can make all the difference in our world, and the galaxy.