"Lieutenant Dan, ice cream!"
You are probably thinking, what the heck are you talking about? And then you realize, oh, a famous quote from the movie Forrest Gump (1994). And it has been almost 30 years since! But there are many aspects from the movie that are relevant to how we live our lives then and today, sprinkled with good words of wisdom.
Now the famous quote I used above is about Forrest Gump wanting to give Lt. Dan an ice cream cone in the hospital. Lt. Dan takes the ice cream and places it in the bed pan. Sound about right? He was definitely not in the mood for ice cream. But this may resonate a bit for when you just don’t get your life, the plan, destiny, purpose or mission!…path?
I’ve been there!!
Maybe you can relate too? Or maybe you are currently in this state of mind? Hold on!!
Do we all have a destiny?
Lt. Dan (speaking to Forrest): “We all have a destiny: nothing just happens. It’s all part of a plan. I should have died out there with my men. Now I’m nothing but a God damn cripple, a legless freak. Do you know what it’s like not being able to use your legs? I had a destiny. I was supposed to die out there in the field with honor and you cheated me out of it. This wasn’t supposed to happen to me…”
We have the power to navigate our lives, as we see it. But it may not always be what is our intended path. That begs the question, then what is our intended path? “You will just have to find out for yourself! (as Ms. Gump would have said). I know, doesn’t say much. But everything you do; your job, kids, spouse, people you associate with or help, conversations you have, church, mission work, etc., is all part of a greater path/plan we may not yet fully understand. There are many moving parts to your mission, destiny, and plan. You/we must take a step back and reflect on the many moments in this life that brought us until now. Maybe then we become enlightened.
Lt. Dan: “Have you found Jesus yet, Gump?”
Forrest: “I didn’t realize I was supposed to be looking for him!”
Always makes me smile and laugh at that line. It can be as simple as that…no need to look for him. You know God is here, within you. You already have a good spiritual connection. Just need to tap into that realm.
But for others, there are dark days and nights, that could last for weeks, months, or even years. These dark times test our faith, hope…our will. It can be intense. I know, because I have been there a few times.
You become angry and question if God is even listening!
Lt. Dan (Upset and speaking to Forrest): “So, Forrest, where is this God of yours?”
Forrest (narrating): “Funny he should ask, because just then, God showed up!”
(A major storm at sea)
How long with the storm last?
At this point the dark days/nights for Lt. Dan comes to a breaking point where the gloves are off and battle ensues. With God? No, with himself. With ourselves alike!
And when the storm and angry seas calmed, a new day dawns…a new day with new opportunities…new adventure. You’re still here! There’s a moment when you finally step back to see what matters, what good there is in your life…your purpose and mission become clearer.
Lt. Dan had his life, a good friend, a future…new wife. It didn’t have to end on the battle field. That was just the beginning.
Forrest (narrating): “And just like that, I believe Lt. Dan made his peace with God.”
He made peace with himself.
We may become tired souls, but the mission continues. There is a plan for you. Find out what it is! If you are experiencing dark days and nights, they will come to an end.
Metaphorically speaking - the ice cream being offered to you may be God’s way of saying at times, it is going to be ok! Follow my lead. Have some ice cream and chill!