Movies
Tonight we went and saw Hereafter.
Eric moaned and Austin tried to nap. I found it positively engaging and thought-provoking. The entire time I couldn't help but think of how blessed I am. Life totally sucks sometimes. Seriously. Granted, what stresses me out, like school, church obligations, etc., are relatively small in comparison to some of the things other people deal with. At the end of the day though, I know why I'm here, what I need to do, and where I'm going, and I have a wonderful support system of family and friends that keep me above water when I don't feel like I can swim any longer.
The people in the movie struggle with deaths of certain loved ones and what lies in the hereafter. Death is hard. You don't need to tell me that. I think that as a 20 year old, I'm reasonably well acquainted with it, especially losing my uncle that we were all close with. But having the knowledge and understanding of God's plan for us really struck me as I watched this movie.
Everyday I thank God for my family and good friends, and for all that they do for me. I am so lucky to have grown up in a home full of love and kindness. The people that I have to associate with lift me up when I am down. They encourage me to be my best, and to push forward to achieve good things in this life. They are here to celebrate in my success and joy, but also to mourn with me in times of trouble. The people that are in my life are not here by accident. Rather, they have each been placed here to play some role in my life. Some of those roles I have clearly seen and recognize. Certain friends I am comfortable having deeply personal conversations, true heart-to-hearts, because it is cathartic and they comfort me. Some people are here to guide me as leaders. Some I have not yet determined, but no relationship that I have is without purpose, and a vast majority of the people in my life are the real reason that I am able to do all that I am able to do. The individuals that I associate with are the infrastructure of my abilities as a human being. My friends and family have completely shaped the person that I have become, and I am fortunate to have been around those who hold me to a high standard, encouraging greatness (I'm not saying that I'm great -- I'm so far from it), pushing me harder, and laughing with me along the way. These people are answers to prayers. These people are messengers from God that help me constantly.
Everyday I thank God for his gospel. It is so complete and wonderful, and to know that life does not end in death, but rather just changes and moves forward in a different capacity, is wonderful knowledge. I take great comfort in knowing that in the hereafter, I will have the opportunity to be with my family, to be with my friends, and that all will be well. I can't imagine a heaven without the people that I love, and that strikes me as such a brilliant piece of God's plan; He wouldn't make a heaven without these people, because it wouldn't mean anything without them. It wouldn't be a heaven at all. The things that we take true joy in are most often moments shared with others, and heaven will present us with so many opportunities to share in more joyous moments with the people we cherish.
I am so fortunate. I liked Hereafter. It was interesting, albeit slow. Beyond the cinematic quality, however, it got me thinking about the wonderful blessings I have in my life, and how much I truly appreciate God and his great plan for us.
These people are my rock, and they are a blessing from God. I know that with all of my heart.
[This one, in case you were wondering.]
Eric moaned and Austin tried to nap. I found it positively engaging and thought-provoking. The entire time I couldn't help but think of how blessed I am. Life totally sucks sometimes. Seriously. Granted, what stresses me out, like school, church obligations, etc., are relatively small in comparison to some of the things other people deal with. At the end of the day though, I know why I'm here, what I need to do, and where I'm going, and I have a wonderful support system of family and friends that keep me above water when I don't feel like I can swim any longer.
The people in the movie struggle with deaths of certain loved ones and what lies in the hereafter. Death is hard. You don't need to tell me that. I think that as a 20 year old, I'm reasonably well acquainted with it, especially losing my uncle that we were all close with. But having the knowledge and understanding of God's plan for us really struck me as I watched this movie.
Everyday I thank God for my family and good friends, and for all that they do for me. I am so lucky to have grown up in a home full of love and kindness. The people that I have to associate with lift me up when I am down. They encourage me to be my best, and to push forward to achieve good things in this life. They are here to celebrate in my success and joy, but also to mourn with me in times of trouble. The people that are in my life are not here by accident. Rather, they have each been placed here to play some role in my life. Some of those roles I have clearly seen and recognize. Certain friends I am comfortable having deeply personal conversations, true heart-to-hearts, because it is cathartic and they comfort me. Some people are here to guide me as leaders. Some I have not yet determined, but no relationship that I have is without purpose, and a vast majority of the people in my life are the real reason that I am able to do all that I am able to do. The individuals that I associate with are the infrastructure of my abilities as a human being. My friends and family have completely shaped the person that I have become, and I am fortunate to have been around those who hold me to a high standard, encouraging greatness (I'm not saying that I'm great -- I'm so far from it), pushing me harder, and laughing with me along the way. These people are answers to prayers. These people are messengers from God that help me constantly.
Everyday I thank God for his gospel. It is so complete and wonderful, and to know that life does not end in death, but rather just changes and moves forward in a different capacity, is wonderful knowledge. I take great comfort in knowing that in the hereafter, I will have the opportunity to be with my family, to be with my friends, and that all will be well. I can't imagine a heaven without the people that I love, and that strikes me as such a brilliant piece of God's plan; He wouldn't make a heaven without these people, because it wouldn't mean anything without them. It wouldn't be a heaven at all. The things that we take true joy in are most often moments shared with others, and heaven will present us with so many opportunities to share in more joyous moments with the people we cherish.
I am so fortunate. I liked Hereafter. It was interesting, albeit slow. Beyond the cinematic quality, however, it got me thinking about the wonderful blessings I have in my life, and how much I truly appreciate God and his great plan for us.
These people are my rock, and they are a blessing from God. I know that with all of my heart.
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