One of the fun outings I had with four of my grands over the Thanksgiving holiday was seeing the film, Frozen 2. We settled in our reclining seats, passed popcorn, and as the film opened, I anticipated shades of blue, splashes of glitter, and a beautiful heroine. The animation delivered, but I didn’t expect to get life messages from a fantasy film designed for children. For me, (and my grands on the ride home), our late morning at the movies turned out to be more than following Elsa the Snow Queen and her sister Anna on an adventure. I’m sure I was the only movie-goer taking notes on my phone, but after the first nugget, I couldn’t resist. As the story unfolded, Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, reminded me:
Days are precious. Don’t let them slip away. We can’t make more time, but we can use it well for what matters most. We can carve out time for people, not only during the Christmas season, but every day. Where do people fall on our “To Do” list?
Technology may be advancement, but can it be our doom? (Olaf). Relationships last longer than the next version of the must have toy. The people in our presence deserve our attention rather than the text, game, or mail on our screen. Doug Smith explores the hazards of screen time in his book UnIntentional. Can we develop the discipline of putting away electronics to spend time with people?
Count your blessings. Don’t take anything for granted. Does this year look like last year? Is someone or something missing? Who is in your circle today?
Some things never change and stay the same. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. His truth never changes. The Psalms remind us the Lord’s love is steadfast and eternal.
Hold on tight: Embrace the present, don’t dwell on the past or waste the present thinking about the future. Even if days appear routine and if our Christmas dinner table doesn’t compare to a magazine cover, don’t take good things–and “normal” things for granted. Mary Jean Irion speaks to this in her essay entitled Normal Day. “Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.”
Control what you can when things get out of control. The holiday season brings heightened emotions, unmet expectations, and some disappointments. We can’t control circumstances and others, but I can control myself and my responses. You’re not responsible for others’ choices. (Anna)
When you don’t see the future you do the next right thing. (Anna) Christmas should shout good tidings of great joy, peace on earth and goodwill to all men but we know relationships are not always harmonious. In challenges and dilemmas, we can do the next right thing.
When you’re older, things make sense. (Olaf) As we age, we have the benefit of hindsight, wisdom, and experience and we begin to recognize what and who is important.
Love is permanent. (Olaf) 1 Corinthians 13 is often called the “love chapter”. Love never fails.
Hidden agendas with schemes serve no one. Elsa’s grandfather had an ulterior motive in his gesture to build a dam. It proved costly and deadly. Live authentically without comparison or competition.
Walls can be broken down and we can be connected by love. Love came down from heaven. Emmanuel-God with us.
We never know what we can learn from the movies. I expected a treat with grandchildren, and it was, but I came away with opportunities for reflections. Which of these resonate with you?
Some great lessons there Ms. Marilyn. I think they’re all around us, but few take the time to look for them. Thank you for sharing your astute observations with us.
You are welcome. I was surprised when I heard the first statement, then after the second, I thought “There’s more here than a children’s fantasy.” Lots to think about an apply. I know every year our family and circle of friends changes, often unexpectedly. It’s important to look around and be present. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Marilyn
What a creative writer you are,Marilyn! I’m sure you WERE the only viewer taking notes. 😉 Thank you for sharing these truths from the movie. Your reminders to count our blessings and embrace each day are critical for peaceful holidays.
Perfectly stated! Thank you for your wisdom and insight as always. 💗
Thank you Penney. I appreciate your comment. Marilyn
Marilyn, I enjoyed the movie over the holidays, too, with my “big” kids! It was enjoyable and you’re right – had a lot of note-worthy lessons! Thanks for reminding me of those with your list above, and, I think I most especially resonate with doing the next right thing. I often want God to TELL me that “thing” I should do next so I could be obedient and move on, but, perhaps that wouldn’t be a sign of faith on my part, if I just followed his “orders” like a robot. Seeking Him daily to lead me in that direction keeps me grounded and rooted in Him and fortifies that relationship with my Heavenly Father. Thanks for sharing your lessons-learned from the movie!
Thanks for your comment. Loved that you went with your “big kids”. I think if we grasped the level above the fantasy, we adults aka “big kids” may have taken more away than two hours of entertainment. Marilyn
I spent Thanksgiving afternoon at that movie with my granddaughter, as well. She came out of the theater singing the song. I didn’t take notes like you did so I gained your insight. Beautiful thoughts!
Glad you had a special time too!. I take notes to help me remember–did the same with the Greatest Showman:) Lots to learn and remember. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
All of the wisdom you gleaned from the movie is valuable, but I think I like “Love Is Permanent” the best. 1 Corinthians 13 is one of my favorite passages. it is so reassuring to know that God’s love never fails. Such a wonderful example for us.
Love sums it up. Marilyn
I liked “Love is permanent.” I saw the first Frozen on TV, but I haven’t seen this one yet.
R=Yes, Katy, regardless of situations and loss, His love is permanent. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
*”Control what you can when things get out of control” spoke to me in many ways. The main one I have put into practice, working locally when the national and international news is bad. Working locally with churches, neighbors, and local businesses. This way I am communicating with people who can help me as I help them. We may eventually barter our work to the betterment of our community. *When you don’t see the future (from Washington), you do the next right thing’ (locally with your neighbors) sums this up quite nicely.
Yes there were many noteworthy statements in the movie, that applied to daily living not just during the holiday season.
Days are precious. Make time for others. Need to grab the grandkids and take them to a movie. Sounds like this would be a good one to discuss afterwards and share a few life lessons.
Enjoy! I’d love to hear what you and your grands can add. Marilyn
Such a great perspective on something most of the world will consume as entertainment for the moment without thinking beneath the surface. Thanks for guiding us into truth in the most unlikely places 🙂
You’re welcome Lori–yes, it was unusual but I couldn’t resist. Marilyn
I haven’t seen this movie yet, but now I can’t wait. When we can glean nuggets like you did, from a Hollywood production, it helps me to realize there is still good out there. We only need to have open minds and be on the lookout. Thank you Marilyn. I love how you write and your take on life around us. —Judy
Judy, I’d love to hear about your insights from the movie. Thanks for your comments. Yes, there is much beneath the surface. Marilyn
Finally took a day break. I am enjoying catching up. Thank you for your postings. Much needed for me. Blessings for you and your family. May this be a time of new happenings, memories of past, and celebration of Our Savior.Thank you for sharing your gift.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I’m glad the thoughts in my post met a need. Blessings this season to you. Marilyn
I, too, love how life lessons can exist everywhere around us…even cartoons. “Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.” This is a great reminder to be present and grateful during and for every day.
Agree, Kelly. Just this morning, I received a text asking for prayer for two critical illness situations. Those people started a “normal day” and were interrupted. Let’s never take our minutes for granted. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Marilyn