Many of us in our mid to late 20's (and older) may remember the movie, "The Never Ending Story." It was a classic where these kids saved this dream world by riding around on a giant flying dog whose ears flapped in the air...and then there was "The Nothing" which destroyed the world and made it into, well...nothing. Some parts of the movie just downright freaked me out. (mainly the flying dog because close up you could see the bumps in his skin)
It seems like there are certain parallels in life that I can relate to that movie. One thing in particular is the search for "the right fit." (in a round-about way) Whether its looking for the right job, the right house to live in, the right school to go to, or even the right mate. It's like we've taken this idea of perfection and have made it attainable and ubiquitous at the same time. The fact is we never really get there and it scares the shit out of us.
In our post-modern society, we have come to embrace the idea of the individual above the corporate, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. We were all created as individuals to have our own dreams, unique things that are a part of us that no one else has ever had or will have for eternity. All the while, each individual is meant to fit in to society, and to make up a giant corporate body rather than a collection of individuals. The glorification of the individual is a great thing because it reflects the intention with which all of us were made. I think God likes to celebrate each one of us as His kids, He loves us that much yeah? We have come to celebrate ourselves as individuals, but after all the partying we realize that we only half-way know ourselves, if even that.
The bleak fact is that our experience is often contrary to the perfection that we long for, which leads to cynicism and doubting that it'll ever really happen. We forego relationships, put off our dreams, and develop systems of procrastination, because, in our hearts, we don't really believe that it'll work out.
That soul-job may never be attained. If we're looking for our soul-mate, we may forget that regardless of who we end up with it's going to be a process that goes decades into marriage. It seems like my never-ending story is the search for the soul...and looking for it in a job, mate, house, geographic location, or activities, which may be a piece of it, but in the end I think there's something more to it than what we're doing, who we're with, or where we're at.
The inescapable nothing could be two things. First, it can be the destructive force of the world that eats your soul alive. Second, it can be that part of us inside where our souls are already half-chewed and partially digested that we have to fight for to recover and rebuild. This second part wants to remain dead, because it only knows fear, which is the absence of unconditional love.
(to be continued...)
Comments (3)
This is great...and very well-written. I am a big believer of the soul-things. I have had a few of them come to pass, but I'm always seeking for the next one.
I do remember The Never-Ending Story, but I don't remember much of what happens in it. Can't wait to hear more!
but in the end I think there's something more to it than what we're doing, who we're with, or where we're at.
I'd have to agree. Looking forward to the next part. And...I've never seen The Never-Ending Story...maybe I'll add it to my list.
What I like is that our souls (mind, will, and emotions) may not have the best of ideas, but God can take our Spirit and help us to come in line with His perfect will for us, then we find real joy. Can't wait to hear more of what you are sharing.
Heather