A few weeks ago my youngest, Matty, called me into the family room. He wanted to show me a preview to a movie he thought I’d enjoy. He asked if we could see the movie together when it came out. Of course I wanted to but I wasn’t sure this movie was good for him.
You see, he is a deep feeler, who is very empathetic, and this movie would make him feel deeply which is often uncomfortable for him. For example, when a slow song comes on the radio, he often asks for us to change it so he doesn’t have to experience the emotions that come with it.
Yet for the past few weeks whenever he would see the preview for this movie he would remind me of the opening date, January 11. He was persistent that he wanted to go together and that I would enjoy the movie.
So last night I took Matty on a date to see ‘ A Dog’s Way Home.’ This movie took my son on an emotional roller coaster ride. At one point when a dog lost his mom, he reached over and put his arm around my neck, pulling me in closer. It hit me to the core to have his little six year old arm wrapped around my neck holding me closer to him. (And for those of you who know our story, understand why that hit my heart so deeply.)
At one point when I knew he was feeling so deeply for the dog, Bella, in the movie, I asked if he wanted to leave. “No, Mom, it’s going to end up okay. Let’s keep watching.”
The power in those words hit my heart. He had the hope that all would be well and that hope carried him through the range of emotions he was experiencing.
I share this with you today because you may too be experiencing a range of emotions because of your current circumstances. I invite you to join me to…
Pause. Breathe. Pray.
May we not allow our emotions to be our compass in life. Instead may we hold on to the hope that all will be well in the end to help us get through. And may we, like Matty, be willing to stretch ourselves, out of our comfort zone, to have life experiences beside those we love.
With love and hope,
Shawn
