GroshLink

Finding Your True Calling is not a great quest today, but instead a grindingly slow, morbid reflection on how we're living where we're stuck and hope that we might be found (or the non-reflective busy-ness of those who throw themselves into their vocation or family aren't even on camera) So let's sit back and make it easier by wallowing w/Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) in Lost in Translation?

Here's some thoughts:

1. We almost turned it off on the opening scene (warning: the film earned its R rating here and later). Maybe we should have.

2. Does it get it easier? (Charlotte) The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you. (Bob) -- Theresa comments, Yeah, that's true. That's what you [Tom] have done.

3. It gets more complicated when you have kids . . . Your life as you know it is gone. Never to return. But they learn how to walk, and they learn how to talk... and you want to be with them. And they turn out to be the most delightful people you will ever meet in your life. (Bob) -- Theresa comments, Yeah, I agree w/the first part b/c your life is never the same. But, I'm not sure if they're the most delightful people I've ever met. I don't tend to think of people in definates like that [note from Tom: check back w/us in a few years when our kids are older].

4. Closing thoughts by Theresa, So what? Why would you make a film about that? I'm disappointed that it wasn't more entertaining or thought provoking. I didn't think there was much of a story.

5. Closing thoughts by Tom: Do I come around to agree w/Jeffrey Overstreet, Bob and Charlotte are learning some of the lessons explored by Solomon in Ecclesiastes: that wealth, fame, and experience are empty and meaningless unless they are experienced in the context of a caring relationship. They are one step closer to discovering that when they serve a higher purpose, and enter into a relationship with someone truly Other, no matter where they find themselves they will have a deep sense of purpose and belonging.

Sure. But do I find watching a film about this worthwhile? Yes, it explores the meaningless-ness of life w/o God for those in the wider culture. But how do we step out of wallowing in it to embrace the God who is there and calling to us in the midst of our struggles . . . the one upon which we must depend instead of wealth, fame, experience, and even caring relationships? Yes, it's a signpost for God. All of creation, life and art is when properly framed. But is it worth a Saturday night w/Theresa . . . no. We are going to be more discerning in our next selection from the public library (and we may even turn the next one off). Is it worth talking about w/those looking for a deeper sense of purpose and belonging . . . yes, along w/all of life helpfully framed and sent in the proper direction. Not finished w/this one, but gotta go.