After having to face an important decision today, I was once again confronted with the question: "Why can't things be so much easier? Why can't I see in black and white, good and evil, right and wrong?" If everything were in terms of good vs. evil, wouldn't my life be so much easier? Don't we all think that at times? Why is there all this grey fog?

I am always jealous of our heroes in Star Wars who have it easy. The Empire clearly is evil and the Rebellion is clearly the right side. George Lucas even makes it easy for us: Darth Vader is dressed all in black and there's no mistaking what side he is on. Obi-Wan Kenobi is the wise mentor who even when you think he's dead, he really isn't. He comes back to help you out in moments of dire need and questioning. I could use an un-dead Obi-Wan in my life at times.

It was while thinking these frustrating thoughts, and moping, that I began to think about the first time we meet Han Solo. Han Solo himself is a grey character, neither good nor bad, in a grey cantina. Luke and Obi-Wan walk into this cantina and hire Han Solo who doesn't really care whose side they're on, as long as he gets money.

As my mind wanders over the rest of the cantina, I think of the other aliens just in there for a drink. Some are looking to be hired, others are playing games, while others just want to start a little trouble. Wait a minute: these aliens are not clear-cut like our heroes. George Lucas did not stamp them with "good" or "evil." Figrin D'an and his band are just out there to play their music. I'm sure the decisions they make are not divided into good and evil, right and wrong. They are aliens, creatures, and humans just trying to make their way in the world. They don't deal with the stormtroopers on a daily basis or the Rebellion. Good and evil is beyond them, and probably they don't care whose side they're on, as long as it's the side that seems to be winning.

Right and wrong becomes blurred and grey as they know what's "right" is what's right to them, not right for the entire galaxy.

Perhaps my decision making can be related to Star Wars. Except, instead of focusing on the Emperor vs. Luke, I can realize that sometimes I just want a drink in a cantina bar.