Friday, October 17, 2008
“It is often those we live with and love, the ones we care about the most who elude us.”
I think I had just graduated from high school when the movie, “A River Runs Through It” came out in theaters.
It was also my introduction to Brad Pitt. And though Brad did not reciprocate the feelings, it’s fair to say it was love at first sight for me.
I loved just about everything in this movie. I loved the beautiful scenery, the fishing, the family dynamics, the brother’s friendship, the love the entire family had for each other – along with the struggle pertaining to those relationships.
I found myself contemplating the profound statements hours, days and even all these years later.
And the river, by way of fishing, serves as a metaphor for life’s biggest milestones.
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”
As a kid, I saw some of the struggle of family dynamics first-hand. I saw the love, the sacrifices, the frustration, the joys and the heartaches that go along with raising children.
But a child’s perspective is much different than that of a parent.
“Even now, when I look back on the Montana of my youth, I long to understand what happened there, and why.”
Life is the Master teacher. And if we are willing, we can find the beautiful lessons despite the challenges and struggle. Willing doesn’t mean the lessons will be obvious or evident – especially in the midst of the challenge. This I know.
“Why is it the people who need the most help won’t take it?”
In a sense, I’ve wondered that same thing many times – though my thoughts aren’t nearly as profound or well-spoken. Instead, I find myself thinking, “what the heck is wrong with him (or her)? Why don’t they get it?”
I’ve struggled to understand the resistance we often offer towards those who love us most.
“…but you can love completely without complete understanding.”
This is one thing I have come to know for certain. Whether it be children, spouses or friends, you can love completely without complete understanding. And so much of what we don’t understand, I now see that for what it is — simple stepping stones and preparatory steps for a future stage of life.
“From boys to men, in life and in love, all memories become one… and a river runs through it.”
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.”
