Monday, June 7, 2010

out of africa

Last night I went to see a movie with two of my good friends. On the ride home, I confessed to one of them that I usually select what movies I watch based on where they're filmed. Some of my favorite scenes in movies take place in some of the most incredible places, but what makes them stand out has nothing to do with where they took place, but the story behind them. I feel like too often, we spend too much time and thought comparing the scenes of our life to those of movies and books and we end up missing what is happening in the present.

Over the last year, I feel like my life has been bountiful in illustrious scenes, some amazing and awe inspiring and some heart-wrenching and humbling. I learned what it means to have nothing, but possess everything as I served amazing people in Mexico City. I took some unforgettable trips with close friends and found once again that it's not where you're at, but who you're with that makes life worthwhile. I lost my father far too soon and truly understood for the first time the importance of living life with no regrets. And, I took a job that excites and humbles me on a daily basis through the lives that are impacted by our work.

When I sit back and think about it, how are those experiences any different from scenes in a movie or book? Why do we feel the need to measure the value of our lives against unrealistic stories? After all, movies and books end more often than not in some sort of resolution. Our lives don't take a break to resolve themselves, the scenes keep rolling, and if we don't revel in each of these scenes, we're going to miss the moments that are changing and sculpting us.

No lyrics tonight, just an incredible piece from an amazing movie.