Now what? ... and more importantly: For what?

I went and saw "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" this week. I really enjoyed it. Have you seen it? It was pretty good. Pretty good indeed.

I spent some time thinking it over after viewing it, and pondering why it had inspired me so deeply. In many ways, I felt it embodied an attitude of my generation; a restlessness found common to those comfortably-routine, yet dissatisfied youths. A ubiquitous desire to go, seek, and find something meaningful that can't be found in the everyday banality of the life we lead.

For some, it's the realization of a false promise among those who've grown up hearing it: that lasting satisfaction could be found when obtaining the "American Dream" (i.e. a "happy" family, car, dog, job, swimming pool, weekend vacations, Hollywood holidays, etc). Many of us grew up in families where the American Dream was a (perhaps near) reality, yet honest, soul-sustaining satisfaction eluded us. The result of this disappointment is a lingering desire for a richer life.

I think the filmmakers recognized this disposition, too...Or it could just be me; maybe I'm projecting that idea onto others. Regardless, I could tell the movie spoke into this shared restlessness and longing.

An unanswered question of "now what?"

With this in mind, I liked how the film inspired action -- it had a strong call to stop the petty talking, musing, and hoping of a different present-tense, and actually doing something about it. So often I find that I am daydreaming of the "what-ifs" or the "could-be's;" I ponder the possibilities, yet I hesitate to act and move because of earthly fears. Walter Mitty obviously feared many things at the beginning of the movie; his uncertainty to actually do something--anything--was very relate-able.

Through various events (I won't spoil the movie), Mitty was challenged and inspired. He started doing stuff. And that stuff, while as dangerous as he had feared, was rewarding. He changed the climate he was in; and, more importantly, he was changed too. It reminds me of that famous quote, "a ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for."

We all want this. We see the vivid life Mitty develops, and we desire to follow his lead in dropping the humdrum to find it.

But how?

My sister's take-away was simple. "Man, now I want to buy a plane ticket and travel!" This, at the surface, is the solution the movie proposes. It pins the resolution to the question of "now what?" around Life magazine's mantra--"To see the world, things dangerous to come, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life."

To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed and to feel that is the purpose of life
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/12/walter-mitty-dreams-up-the-purpose-of-life/#Ai16mfuvsLVuQoH3.99

To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed and to feel that is the purpose of life
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/12/walter-mitty-dreams-up-the-purpose-of-life/#Ai16mfuvsLVuQoH3.99

 The entire movie culminates into this idea.

Mmh. Inspiring. Warm fuzzies. Yum.

And yet, I honestly have to say, not very constructive at all. Quite "fluffy."

I still appreciate and enjoy the movie because I find myself mobilized, as I could sense many other audience members were too. We were energized to move and do. To go and achieve. To find, feel, and connect.

But moments after the credits began rolling I found a deeper question nagged me, deeper than the "now what?" which had been seemingly answered.

... "For what?"

Granted, my enthusiasm about the film was mellowed with this realization, but I have to admit I wasn't surprised in this result from a secular movie.

Even so, I left the theatre with a calm assurance and an renewed purpose. While Walter Mitty didn't propose an answer, I knew God had already addressed this issue before the script was even penned.

For what do we go? For what purpose would a ship leave a safe harbor? (because that's obviously not what we're designed for)

Why do we do it, or anything for that matter?

--For Him.

And believe you me, my God is all about the going. He is all about seeing us changed. He is all about seeing His Kingdom and name glorified in our lives, in our relationships, in our countries, and in the earth. He is all about loving us, and us loving Him. My God isn't stationary or lax, nor is He content to see the helpless and weak stay helpless and weak.

Check out this song that I feel highlights this idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGDVlOKoOoE


Jesus even directs us: keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Seek Him. Seek his will and kingdom here. Seek witnessing His love to the lost. Seek the perishing with the same intent of a God leaving Heaven to become a baby; of a Father sending his only Son into a humble form for the purpose of "God with us." Emmanuel. God's love isn't lukewarm. It's radically active and ravishingly real.

Now, that's lasting. And satisfying. And of more than enough value to act upon. That's a reason I would leave a harbor.

Would you?

One question now remains: Why not?

Secure

 Here is an essay prompt and response I had in my Kinesiology class this week. While it's not my best work, I enjoyed summarizing my time and vision gained from spending a few semesters at A&M. Here's a little glimpse about the things God has taught me and prepared me for!

"Where will you be in regards to your career or education in 3-5 years? What are your short/long-term goals? How will you utilize your education and skill sets to accomplish your goals?"

            There are many places I could be in three to five years. In some respects, this is incredibly frightening; however, I choose to see my unknown future as an open terrain for God to use. Looking to God for direction in my academics, work, and life after Texas A&M University has been one way He has fostered a deeper faith in me.
            Honestly speaking, I entered Texas A&M with every intention and goal of spending two years at the main college, then two years at the nearby Texas A&M Health Science Center where I would obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I had settled on this career track because, as a high school graduate, I needed something to strive towards. I knew that I thrive amongst others, enjoy health sciences, and love getting to interact and help people face-to-face. Nursing was the first thing that came to mind, and the job security in this field helped calm my nerves about my looming future. Having mapped my life (as far as I was concerned), I came to Texas A&M with the temporary major of General Studies.
            All this being said, there was a lot of learning and growth outside the classroom that I had not anticipated during my Freshman year of college. God opened my eyes to many things, including a broader purpose for my time at Texas A&M, a higher calling over my life than living for self and future financial comfort, and a deeper love for Him and the way He changes lives. I got to know how He offers peace amongst family financial issues back home, and saw His provision for tuition so I could continue attending college. I learned about Jesus Christ – a lot – and how through His sacrifice I can have real life. I got to know what it means to talk with Him and let Him change my heart, one day at a time. God opened my eyes to the criteria of self-competency I had established for myself; how without Him I’m pretty crummy, yet with Him there’s freedom from constantly struggling towards perfection for my own sake.

            I’ve learned that He is incredibly patient with me – more than I would even be with myself. I saw Him move in my friendships, and how dynamic and genuine it was to know people in this intimately spiritual way. Perhaps most notably for my future, I learned about how God doesn’t call me to only receive His blessings and grace, but how it naturally compels a loving desire to reach out to all who are around me. Simply put: if I know the peace, freedom, and love that was shown to me in Jesus Christ, it’s quite selfish to keep that from others.

            Needless to say, these life lessons I have been learning have changed a thing or two about my future aspirations. After my freshman year, I decided to continue for the full four years at Texas A&M and graduate with a degree in Sociology before (potentially) continuing on to pursue a Nursing degree. As a junior with two years left, I’m still entertaining the thought of completing an expedited academic track of Nursing after graduation. Practically speaking, I have been taking prerequisite courses in preparation for applying to nursing programs. However, there are multiple other options that I could see myself doing as well. For instance, I think kids are fantastic, and have found my heart “wakes up” when faced with the fatherless and broken. Additionally, God has fostered a weird, unexplainable interest in Eastern Europe through various encounters and life moments. Having visited Ukraine, then Russia during two previous summers, I could see myself living and serving God overseas in an area like this.

            While I don’t know how it might happen, I think I would be quite satisfied to work overseas in an orphanage or with an adoption agency, providing “health” care (albeit through physical or spiritual support) to youth. Perhaps I will be the clinical aid to such an organization, or maybe I’ll become a traveling nurse overseas. As far as I can tell, there are a lot of possibilities! My degree in Sociology would be aptly used for any such career like this, whether I formally go into nursing after graduation or pursue other avenues.
            While I don’t have any more of a concrete idea of where I would like to go after graduating from Texas A&M than when I entered, I can say that being at Texas A&M has taught me a lot about myself, God, and my purpose. In some respects, my future career is more defined as far as my interests, skills, and preparedness goes, and yet I am also more aware of how many possibilities and directions God could take me. I am eager to serve God, share the love of Christ with others, and to see what future He has in store. While it is still quite unknown, I am secure knowing God is calling the shots. He has proven Himself trustworthy thus far, and I can rest knowing He is trustworthy still.

Under Construction

Today I had a really sweet moment with God.

I was walking, stressing, and contemplating my current relationship with Him. I haven't been entirely satisfied, to be transparent with you. Sometimes I get distracted, and it's really challenging to sit down and honestly - honestly - talk with Him. When life gets hectic, my knee-jerk reaction is to micromanage and analyze ... Either that, or ignore (but it's kind of hard to ignore God, so I typically over-analyze instead).

As I was walking briskly between classes, I knew I had about 30 minutes to spare. "Great," I thought, "I'll log some good time with the Lord, get some of these stresses off my mind, and refuel. Hey! One of my favorite 'corners of campus' is coming up - I'll sit like that, read those things, discuss these topics, and pray there!"

As I neared my desired location, thoughts running of how I was going to "get down to business" with Him, I approached the nook and saw chain-link fences. If you don't know anything about my campus, know this: it is always, to some extent, under construction. "Great," I thought, "just great. Now I need to find somewhere else to have an *amazing* conversation with my Dad."


As I concluded this, I saw the sign posted on the fence (which was barring access to my corner):

"Under Construction: Authorized Personnel Only"


Quite funny, God. I like the way you open my eyes and remind me of your gentle, shaping Hand. You're molding my life. I've been purchased - am I really "authorized" to shape my life anymore? Am I the Maker of my heart? The one calling the shots? The one designing this clay pot?

Shouldn't I consult the great Architect when deciding how my life and relationship with God will play out? Wow. I'm quite proud. Thank you, Jesus, for Your gentle (albeit humorous) reminder that there are two in our relationship, not just one. My heart is Yours - shape it, mold it, and take it as You will.

Philippians

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. 
        ...I will say it again: Rejoice!  

⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  

⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ  Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —think about such things. 

Look at the dogs. It's Simple.

       Owning a dog can teach a child a lot of things. For me, my Labrador Retriever, Sandy, has given me a new perspective.
       Before we had Sandy, my family owned two dogs, four cats, and a rabbit (I think we were over the city limit). Needless to say, mom wasn't very thrilled when dad came home from work with yet another stray animal he had found. At the time, Sandy was a yellow ball of puppy-fun. She especially liked the cereal shelf and the cat's food. When she got older (and bigger), Sandy discovered she liked the trashcan, too. Mom wasn't thrilled about this, either; but she has since grown to love Sandy anyway.
     As the youngest in my family, Sandy came into my life at just the right time. Older siblings were moving on, right as life's larger problems were fading into view; Sandy was the simple, steady friend I needed. As her owner, I learned how to train her to be a (pretty) well-behaved pooch, and I came to understand how something as straight-forward as a dog could be such a wonderful companion. Now, about three years after first meeting her, I look back and see what a great friend she has been, and the unique perspective I have gained from knowing her.
     Every time I greet Sandy and she gives me that unfailing, doggy-smile, I feel a special warmth, joy, and pride. I get this same feeling of love when I give her a command and she eagerly obeys. Even when she disobeys and I reprimand her, I am proud when she strives to please me. To her I am her master, and she loves me for it.
     One day I had that classic “Ah-Ha!” moment when mulling over my relationship with Sandy and my relationship with God. Yes, He placed us on earth with the instruction to “lord over the animals.” With Sandy, I was doing just that. My thoughts took a step further when I considered how God “lords” over us, His children and His “flock.” Just as God loves us, I love my dog, my companion, and my friend. To me, my relationship with Sandy is a simplified reflection of my walk with God.
     Shouldn't I eagerly greet my Lord when He is near? Shouldn't I eagerly do as He commands, just to please Him? Shouldn't I eagerly strive to correct myself when I am wrong, because He is my God and master, and because we are told to love Him above all others? Sandy does not “eagerly” do these things because she feels obligated to, but because she truly learned to trust me and love me through knowing who I am. Through knowing and walking with Him, we can learn to trust and love Him, too.
     Granted, at times when I step out of the room Sandy indulges in the trashcan, even though I have told her repeatedly not to, even though she actively knows that when I return I won't be happy. I've witnessed her do this, and it's kind of funny how, while pulling napkins, coffee beans, and empty bottles from the trash her body language clearly shows “guilt.” She can't stand it. It struck me one day: don't we do this, too? We can't always see God, or recognize his presence; in those moments temptation often strikes. When I re-enter the room where Sandy is shamefully gorging herself, her reaction immediately says, “I'm so sorry! (Thank goodness you're here! I couldn't help but eat the trash when you weren't around. I couldn't resist on my own!)”
     As her master I discipline her, but only enough to remind her of the consequences to bad behavior and to maintain that level of authority. Like children, dogs thrive with clear and just boundaries, and lurking consequences. They like the structure and security that comes with order.
     Sandy loves me very much, and it shows in her actions. Throughout the day she follows me around the house, simply wanting to be with me. At night when she's drifting off to sleep I witness her trust in me; she nods off as I stroke her fur, knowing she is safe and under my care. Sandy is my dog and friend; I love her and she loves me. Like I do with many of my friends, I try and model myself after the other. For me, Sandy's eager and unfailing love is a simple reminder of how my relationship with God could be. He loves me, and I love Him. It's that simple.