The Time Traveler’s Wife
I went to go watch The Time Traveler's Wife this weekend (don't ask me why). But, I've got to say, it got me thinking (as with most movies) about life and faith.
If you don't know the story, or haven't seen any trailers for it Eric Bana plays the role of Henry, who has a genetic mutation that causes him to travel uncontrollably to big moments in his life. Somewhere along the way he meets Claire (who is played by Rachel McAdams) and as confusing as it may seem, they have known each other for nearly all of their lives. As he travels Henry's past, future, and past intertwine to reveal a mystery to which he cannot control--his death. Unfortunately, even though he can see and relive moments in time, he cannot control or change the outcomes--like his mother's death.
It's an interesting thought: to be able to relive moments with loved ones who have already passed away, to be able to see your unborn children, to inform others of impending danger or good news.
But to me, the deeper thought was: If I knew now what would happen then, what would I do differently?
If you knew now how your actions affected those around you and your potential or place in life later on, what would you do or what would you give to see it happen or to avoid it altogether.
That thought has probably crossed my mind a hundred times over these past few months as summer has given way to much license for students and horrible news that has fallen upon once deaf ears.
It's just an observation, but it occurs to me that life is pretty predictable. I might not know the exact future and its details, but if the interstate leads north I know I should expect to be driving south. In other words, whatever direction we are following its destination is pretty clear.
What would I do if I knew now what was to be later? If it were good news, I would be keeping my eyes open and not sitting back. If it were bad news, I'd yell and scream and kick and yell some more until it got through to me.
What would you do? What would you do for others?
