I can’t remember having had an emotional response to a movie like that since seeing Forest Gump. Friday 
night I watched: “We Bought a Zoo” with my sister and nieces. The content wasn’t what I was expecting at all which I’ve found is the best setup for a great movie. After the movie my oldest niece Aida made a comment about the movie being all about romance. And yet to me part of what made this movie beautiful was that it was about a lot of things: A man grieving the loss of his wife, teenage love, the stress of being a parent, letting go, being courageous, raising an adolescent boy,and trying to find your way forward when you have no clue.
This movie made me want to be a dad, to be back in student ministry and to be courageous for 20sec – especially with the opposite sex. The movie answers a question I’ve been asking for a while now: “Is it better to have loved and lost or to have never loved at all?” With an exclamation point it declares it is far better to have loved and lost. Even with the huge loss of his wife there are still the memories they made, and though rough at times, the life-giving relationship with his kids.
I think one of my core issues centers on this issue of risk-taking. I tend to wait until all my ducks are in a row before making a decision. I hold back whenever I sense danger or potential hurt. While I believed in my heart this has protected me, even necessary at times it has also blocked me from so much joy in this life. As said in the movie, on the other side of that scary, gut-retching 20secs of courage is something beautiful.
The movie ends with its main character taking his kids to the cafe where he first met their mother. He tells with emotional detail what it was like to work up the courage to talk to her for the first time. The point is made without saying it verbally that none of this adventure of owning a zoo, their memories made or relationships would have happened without those 20secs of courage.
I want to be that man this year…to display radical courage if only for 20sec and step out where I would have normally held back. If you haven’t seen it yet do yourself a favor and see this wonderful film.
I want a zoo.
maryfollowsthelamb
January 22, 2012 at 3:11 am
20 seconds of courage… Your post made me smile. After 9 years alone I decided to gather my courage and put myself out there. For the first time in my life, I’ve determinded to keep an open heart, to say what I feel, accept the risks and not to take it personally if someone doesn’t return my interest. I finally realized love is a good thing and to put it out there does my heart good no matter what because it keeps my heart open and soft instead of closed and cold.
Take 20 seconds of courage indeed! My best wishes are with you!
Scott
January 22, 2012 at 10:23 am
Wow! I think we made fun of this movie while you were here… or I did. Either way, sounds like it touched you and sparked something in you.
Excited to hear about your many 20 seconds moments coming this year and beyond.
godsidekurt
January 22, 2012 at 10:38 am
Definitely…connected well with one of my goals to be courageous this year. Would appreciate you holding me accountable to it.
Jean Selden
January 22, 2012 at 1:44 pm
“Love like you’ve never been hurt” is a very courageous thing. I have very many 30 somethings around and in my life who are all single. Many have given up because of rejection and past hurt. Some have given up trying because many of the men In their age group have not been raised up to be men. It is rare to meet single men in their 30s who are serious about their faith, yet not legalistic and not taking advantage of God’s grace.
I wish you the best. I will encourage those of all ages around me, including myself, to step out in faith this year and take a risk. It could prove to be fun.
Good post.
In Him,
Jean
tweda
February 3, 2012 at 11:49 am
hi!!!