Because I Can… the random thoughts of Marc Scott

I am a 30 year old single male.  For reasons which I have yet to unearth, I have recently become a fan of the TLC show Jon & Kate Plus 8.  I think it would be safe to say that I am not in their target demographic!  Regardless, I find myself setting the DVR to record the show every Monday night while I’m at my Fire Department practice, and I watch reruns during the week whenever I see them on.

Over Christmas TLC ran a Jon & Kate Plus 8 marathon.  They also did a 10 Best Episodes countdown and I watched them both.  That is when I really got into the lives of this family and became hooked on the show. 

As any good fan would do, I googled the Gosselins to learn more about the family.  No, I am not some obsessed crazed stalker trying to find out where they live and if they prefer Fruity Pebbles or Captain Crunch.  I was just intrigued by some of the things they’ve said on the show and wanted to learn a little bit more about them.

In my journey through cyberspace I discovered a multitude of sites and forums all related to the show and the family.  As I was reading though, there was one reoccurring theme that really bothered me.  A number of “former” fans of the show were boycotting it because, in their opinion, the Gosselins had “sold out.”

This, to me, was an utterly ridiculous accusation and is a testament to the level of jealousy and coveting spirit of so many people.  Those who struggle or fail to find success in their own lives find it so much easier to attack those that do, rather than get off their rear-ends and work for their own!

As I came to understand it, people were quite appalled at Jon & Kate’s “riding of the gravy train” and “taking advantage of their fame.”  I’m curious though, what would you prefer to them do?

If I win one million dollars in the lottery, I’m going to enjoy that one million dollars and I’m not going to feel guilty about it.  I would give some to my church, give some to my charities of choice, share with my family and, without question, buy a Ford Flex.  I don’t think I am out of line when I say that any individual awarded the same good fortune would follow in a similar path.

Jon and Kate have, in essence, won the lottery.  An opportunity has presented itself to the family, and they are using that opportunity to enhance their lives.  Jon and Kate are no different than any other family in this regard.  So they got a chance to go to Disney because of their TV show and fame… if somebody offered you a trip to Disney you’re telling me you’d say no?  So perhaps they’ve been able to benefit from promotional opportunities afforded them because of their show.  You’re telling me if the same opportunities came your way you’d turn it down?

I don’t know the Gosselin family, and most likely, I never will.  However, as near as I can tell they are a wonderful family grounded in a faith in Jesus Christ and they’ve been blessed in more ways than one.  To those that condemn them I simply say this, perhaps it’s time to point your finger in the opposite direction.  Spend a little less time speaking ill of others and a little more time working on improving your own life.

In the meantime, if you’ve never watched the show before, check it out.  At the very least, do it simply to see 8 of the most adorable kids I’ve ever seen.  At the very best, do it to be encouraged by the life of a wonderful family making the most of each day they have together.