Nate has been home sick the last couple of days, 
so I rented a couple of movies for him to watch. Yesterday I watched "The Pursuit of Happyness" with him and I LOVED it! What a heart-warming story and it is true! For those that haven't seen it, it is a true story about a man trying to make it in the world while actively raising a 5 yr old son. They end up homeless while he is doing an non-paid internship with a Financial institution. It amazed me that through his intense struggles, he stayed positive and took such good care of his son. If you haven't seen it, it is a must see! It stars Will Smith and his real-life son.
The part that struck me, was when the main character talks about the "pursuit of happiness" stated in our Declaration of Independence. He mentioned how interesting it was that they used the word "pursuit". And I, too, found that so interesting. I had never thought about that phrasing. Pursuit means "an effort to secure or attain; quest" I love the word "effort" there. We are all pursuing to be happy. We are all attaining that goal. The choices we make, the people we sorround ourselves with, our jobs, our attitudes, etc. are what help us to pursue or attain that happiness. It just really made me think, 'am I making the "effort" in pursuing happiness or am I just waiting for it to come to me?' It is something we have to constantly pursue. It takes a lot of "effort"! It is a constant quest! I love that movie and am grateful for the lesson it taught me. It also helps you appreciate what you have and not to take it for granted. Has anyone else seen this movie? If, so, what did you think of it?
2 comments:
Dale and I saw it and loved it. I loved seeing a father taking care of his child. I also loved the idea of putting family first. It was so difficult to watch him and his son spend the night in the restroom. Like you though, I loved how he made it a game even though it was killing him. Other recommendations I have heard from friends were Amazing Grace (true story about the author of the song) and the Ultimate Gift. Dale and I are hoping to see these soon. Believe it or not they are both PG.
I haven't seen this movie, but you wrote such a great review of it, I want to see it now! I think the concept of happiness requiring effort is very insightful, because sometimes I feel like I just deserve happiness and feel irritated when it doesn't come that easy. But I have also been warned not to be too focused on trying to achieve my own happiness, but that rather happiness is found in losing yourself in a cause greater than yourself. It is in the effort and pursuit of trying to make others happy that your own happiness can be found. It's a funny paradox. Oh, and also, have you seen Cinderella Man? I really liked the father figure in that movie too.
Post a Comment