I’ve watched this movie several times now and it really is one of my favorites. When I first saw it (thanks Min & Phil) I hadn’t heard of it and had no expectations whatsoever. It was such a quirky film and I wasn’t sure I liked it until it was over and then I knew I LOVED IT. I’ve become much more picky in my movie watching lately, so the fact that this one makes it to “watch more than once” status is significant.
One of the things I love about it is just the quirkiness. It’s so different. I love that the movie does not go where you think it is going. The acting is superb and the lessons to be learned are numerous. I even find myself changing my mind about which character the movie is “really” about. Of course it is about Lars, but every character in the movie is changed and touched because of what happens to Lars.
Last night as I watched it, I was thinking about how God and the “heavenly hosts” must find it lunacy how much “in love” we are with this world. It isn’t the “real” thing….yet, we are crazy for it. God is so full of compassion & grace that He gives us the desires of our hearts here and makes us “comfortable” and provides for the needs we think we have. He even surrounds us with community to help us out along the way. But He really knows better. He continues to “woo” us. He knows the “reality” will be sooo much better. He brings us along step by step. He “plays along,” if you will.
Eventually, we start getting glimpses of what “real” life is…and we kind of want it, but the pain of giving all of this up to get it is very real. We have to die to ourselves so we can be available to live in the “reality.” The cool thing is, we are never alone. He sometimes even just comes and “sits” with us while we grieve our loss. But when that “reality” becomes real to us….wow! He’s waiting right there, ready to go for a “walk” with us.
Ok, this is pretty far off what I normally see in this movie, but it is what struck me this time. I may have to write another blog or two, at some point, about the lessons I’ve found in this movie, but for this morning….I’m just thinking about the “fakiness” of this life and how more and more attractive the “real” life is becoming. I want it, but letting go of this one sometimes proves painful and it is a process.
I’m just praying that this week is another step forward in the “letting go” and the “reaching out” to Him.
Really good insights!