Ohana: Discipleship and Family with God, pt. III
Hello again family peoples! Welcome to the third installment of our series on spiritual growth as family. Last week, we discussed how service and mission can be both incredibly trying but incredibly rewarding. When we follow Jesus, we are invited into a love that serves boldly and transforms the world. This week, we are going to talk about a similar topic: Adventure. To introduce the topic, let's learn more from one of Pixar's recent classics, Up [WARNING: Spoilers ahead].
Carl makes Ellie a promise that he'll take her to South America someday. As they grow up and get married, Ellie becomes sick, and they are unable to ever take their trip. After Ellie passes, Carl spends the rest of the movie trying to get their house to their dream spot on top of a waterfall in Brazil. As other hijinks ensue, Carl gets close but is cut short as the house is nearly destroyed. Finally, he sits down to reflect on his promise to Ellie...
When we finished watching this clip on retreat, there were hardly any dry eyes among us! Why, Pixar, why!?
It's beautiful though. Carl finds that Ellie has chronicled their real adventure together - an adventure they did not expect but would not change for the world - and she invites Carl to begin a new adventure.
Interestingly, the disciples had a similar experience with Jesus, but far more profound! In John 16, Jesus tells the disciples that he will be leaving them as he is crucified, resurrected, and raised to the Father's side. Imagine the ache that the disciples would have felt as their best friend - their savior whom they have followed in flesh for 3 years - is taken away from them. And yet, Jesus says, "It is for your good that I am going away" (16:7) because the Holy Spirit will guide them all into new adventures. Like with Carl & Ellie, we see that: (1) the disciples idea of the destination kept them from seeing the beauty in the adventure they had experienced all along, and (2) there is still so much more adventure yet to be had.
As we adventure together with our families - in small excursions, picnics, service projects, vacations, and sharing all sorts of new experiences - may we be present in each moment and ever hopeful for adventures yet to come.
Questions for reflection:
- In what ways has God shown up through your family adventures?
- What is your definition of adventure? How can you add more mystery and wonder to your life?
- What is God up to in your family's life? How can you join in on what He is doing and be a part of that adventure?