Missing Pieces and New Year’s Resolutions

On New Year’s Eve, I went to the movies with my girlfriend. On the drive to the theater we chatted about what we’re wrestling with, and some of the prayer concerns for friends and family members as well... health concerns, a lonely marriage, relational disappointments, career challenges, and the list goes on. We all battle with things that are out of whack in one way or another.

I commented that everyone seems to have something missing. That, “if only” this was cured or that were changed, everything would be good! That conversation was our backdrop as we walked into the theater and sat down to watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitti.

As the story unfolded, we found many overlapping themes with our conversation. The main character played and directed by Ben Stiller was a man whose unsatisfying career title involved negative assets management for LIFE magazine-- where he basically had no life!  We whispered about all the negatives as well as the contrasting pull and dream for the positives.

The story boils down to a dramatic quest for that elusive missing piece, cut out of a roll of negatives, and the object of Walter’s global search.

Then in one scene Mitti becomes disenchanted with a gift from a coworker after losing his job. It had no realized value even though inscribed with a meaningful quote about “looking inside,” so he tosses it in the garbage with a sigh.

Oh, the things we toss aside and disregard; the truth we miss. Untold discoveries and joys and treasures in our lives remain hidden, perhaps because we grapple with a pain that clouds our vision.

Mitti would regularly zone out of conversations, leaving people puzzled and confused as he escaped into his private world. There, he attempted to rewrite his story and paint himself as the hero rather than the underdog.  For most of his life he had simply accepted that role as he was pushed aside, ignored and disrespected, until he finally takes a stand and exercises a little courage. It’s nothing short of a feel good movie as he dares to start living the adventure of his dreams.

Beautiful scenery and dazzling photography made this a joy to watch.  In the end, I thought Secret Life a great film for New Year’s, raising questions about what we’re living for, where we want to go in life, and most importantly, what’s missing!

Driving home, I found myself thinking about the ways I’ve been stuck in habits of thought, limiting options, and stifling creativity rather than thinking out of the box!

Earlier in the day I had seen one of those year-end reviews where news stations gather footage of well-known personalities who passed away. I’d also heard a few arresting stories of people who had just died.

In one case, a Japanese husband literally jumped to his death at a shopping mall after his wife shopped for 5 hours.  A shocking waste. A wife so consumed with earthly things and a husband who saw no reason to live. He apparently wanted nothing more than to end it all, so drastically.

Simultaneously, the Boston local news was tracking the return of a soldier’s coffin from Afghanistan. Thousands of townsfolk lined the streets with yellow ribbons as they brought him home in the bitter cold. His time was sadly cut short, but for such a cause, and he was given such an honorable farewell.

Such contrasting reasons to live and die! You can’t help but ponder your own destiny.

Whatever your missing pieces, ask the Lord to quicken and direct you in the search.  He is the key to filling that empty spot in your life. Whatever you do, don’t throw it away or miss the chance to follow your dreams for we only live once, and it's SHORT! Let's make it count.

Dear Lord, as this year draws to an end, be my shining light and go before me in fulfilling your purposes. Help me live my life courageously and fully and without regret.  Help me press on toward the goal to win the prize for 

which you have called me heavenward!  Amen.

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[1] Philippians 1:4-14 NIV translation