on stage

"In Stanislavski's approach, by the time the actor reaches the stage, he or she no longer experiences a distinction between his or her self and the character"

Really good actors immerse themselves in the characters they portray...so much so that they "become" the character within the confines of the story.  Sometimes they are so effective that the public expects the actor to actually be the character.  Today I learned that someone in our church just lost their father.  Just the day before, we had heard that this gentleman was very ill and the end seemed very near.  The thought surfaced that we walk this earth as an actor does the stage.  We make our entrance, follow various directors through numerous episodes and acts of comedy and drama, and exit "stage right or left".  Our stage is a bit more elaborate and our production a bit lengthier than Hollywood or Broadway would consider, but  Shakespeare nailed the thought in "As You Like It":

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,

But the thought also emerges that we exit this stage to perform on another and
though we eventually exit this dusty platform we will stand again before another 
more glorious audience.  

And we will finally understand the role we have been playing...

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; 
then we shall see face to face. Now I know
in part; then  I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

blessings,
Rob Smith
http://2daysthought.blogspot.com/