Are You Living for Pleasure or Meaning?

In his book Risk, author Kenny Luck relates a story told by Laurence Gonzales, an editor at Playboy in the 1970’s:  “I was on top of the world making millions…I had a private jet, unlimited expense accounts, meals served by butlers and, of course, famous Playmates running around the mansion.  One day I couldn’t take it anymore and took a walk and pondered the ultimate question: ‘Can I have too much pleasure?'”
Laurence is not the only one who has to ask himself this question.  All of us should inquire whether we are living for pleasure or meaning.  Pleasure is easy and readily available, but meaning is much more fulfilling , though sometimes more elusive.  Pleasure visits illicit websites when no one is looking, while meaning works through the difficulties of a marital relationship.  Pleasure seeks to escape through too much alcohol, work or play, while meaning embraces the difficulties of family responsibilities and lives for long-term gratification of children raised well.  In the end, pleasure leaves us without meaning, but living for meaning will become our greatest pleasure.  What are you living for?