Forrest Gump was most famously quoted as saying, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Box of chocolates. Photo: Ömer Furkan Yakar. pexels.com
Phil Strong
But what you may not remember, he was also known for saying, “I don’t know if we each have a destiny, or if we’re all just floating around accidental—like on a breeze—but I think maybe it’s both.”
To think short is to think like you’re floating on the breeze. Whereas, to think long is to think, live, and commit to living like you have a destiny.
A destiny is a destination, an end point. To think short is to think there is no such thing as life beyond the physical here and now.
“From the earth I came and to the earth I return,” some say, more hopeful than knowledgeable. Ignorance may feel blissful in the here and now, but what comes when reality bites?
The cosmos and all of creation existed before I did and will last longer than my body will.
But I am more than a physical creature—I am emotional and spiritual in design. When my body returns to dust, I am confident my spirit will join with God in His home. That’s the best form of destiny I could ever imagine.
To again quote Senór Gump; “You have to do the best with what God gave you.” Accepting I am created with a purpose and endowed with a responsibility gives me more impetus to take initiative, lead with inspiration and avoid inaction. I like to take the chocolate from the box and make the best of what I’m getting.
“You have to do the best with what God gave you.”
Perhaps we think short because we don’t want to contemplate a reality greater than our awareness.
I have chosen to accept the absence of answers over the certainty of being incorrect.
I choose to worship a God that is far beyond my comprehension.
Again, Forrest says, “Stupid is as stupid does,” and we each get to choose our version of the same.
Walking with a family through grief is a sombre privilege as it allows me a glimpse into the dark night of the soul and forces me to glance at my own.
To celebrate what was and reflect on what is no longer is causation of deeper, introspective ponderings that lead me to desire a greater destiny than short term choices.
An astute reader will guess what has consumed my focus this past week.
Finally, the pinnacle of Gump-wisdom is summed up in a beautiful observation; “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”
Love can be a feeling; it can be a choice. It can be a gift that is received or given. Love is patient, kind and humble, never seeking its own gain.
But most important, friend, love is a person that is found in the son of God who came to seek you out and lead you into your greatest destiny. Float not on the breeze but walk into His love.
