Positive Matters...Negative Positives

Last night I finally got to watch "The Pursuit of Happyness." I had heard so many positive things about it and seen the interview with the person it was based on. It really gives one pause to examine what and when they want what they want and what might be necessary to obtain it. Dreams and sacrifice go hand in hand with pain and pleasure. The change of direction requires a harsh and constant friction to break the gravitational pull of the however tortured normal. It's even harder if you are constantly slapped in the face by reality and/or others' perceptions of your limits. This powerful story begins with people thrown in the thick of life. They have very little money and the wife is working several jobs while the father is a commission only salesman of a product very few people want. In addition, they have a young son who needs and wants all the things a normal kid of 8 would. Needlesstosay, the only person they don't owe is the Lord, and He's waiting for thanks. Ultimately, the wife checks out due to the lack of money and understanding the husband is contributing to the relationship and household. [Herein lies the pivotal point; I suspect had she NOT left, Christopher would not have become the success story he is.] It is at this point that he maintains control of his son and realizes that he only has himself. Not to mention, now he and his son are counting on him. There are some gut-wrenching realities that anyone should at least realize are possible. "Anyone" can be homeless fairly quickly. I won't ruin the movie in the event you haven't made up your mind to see it yet; DO. I would have to say that even days after seeing it; it is still in my thoughts — not only for the power to accomplish; but the power to fail. While it is true that we learn from our failures; I think it safe to say that at some point, we are resolve with the quantity of knowledge we have and will survive without "needing" to aquire any more. But even more riveting of the movie, is the study of the "human animal, the planet of the apes." What can keep us from what we want? What are we willing to do when we are desparate? How do we react when our young are at stake? Do our rules only apply when they are convienent? ...and then I am haunted by my father's words, "boy, I've done a lot of things I said I would never do to provide for my family..."