Into the Wild

I finally watched the movie, Into the Wild. There is a part of me that is like I can totally relate with him. I get so tired of the ways of this world. So often I find myself so frustrated with the hypocrites that surround me daily. The thought of giving everything up and living extremely simple sounds so romantic. I admire his bravery and conviction to follow through with his passion and beliefs.

Then there is also a part of me where I find him extremely selfish. Selfish for not trying to reconcile his broken relationships with his family. I have had my fair share of family issues and there was a time that I ran away and wanted little to do with them. But in order to not be in bondage from the anger and hurt, I had to face my issues head on as painful as it might have been. There is a time for forgiveness and healing.

Ultimately it seems that was what this journey was about for him. And maybe if he lived; he would have fully experienced the beauty that can be found in pain. He may have made peace with himself but did he with his family? A part of the healing process is working through the pain communally not just individually. I can only imagine the unresolved issues the family has experienced and the pain knowing that they will never be able to experience complete healing. There is something powerful about healing that brings freedom and grace.

Ron Franz said it best in the movie, "When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines upon you."