The Adjustment Bureau © 2011 is the New and Improved Truman Show ©

3/17/11

So a couple of Saturday’s ago 10 and I went to the movies to see the new Matt Damon movie and we liked it.  “The Adjustment Bureau” is a love story built on suspense and intrigue, wrapped around a secret organization that keeps things in perspective, even if the characters in the movie don’t. It reminded me of a place I’ve been before, but wouldn’t mind returning, “The Truman Show”. 

So the crux of the story centers on David Norris (Damon) who is an up and coming political player who is at the onset of the fast track to congress in the name of altruism and hard work.  He is honest, relatable and magically connected to the people around him as well as the voters.  Then his world is instantly transformed when Emily (Blunt) surprises him in one of the most unlikely of places and then again later.  Her very presence creates the ingredients of the romance and conflict, and the hero must choose between love and destiny (this is the deference in real life, you can have both). 

Through the journey of why, one question leads to another and another and another and soon Norris is on a collision course with the consequences of his actions and the effects on the people around him.  All throughout the movie he is guided by first-named G Men type figures, Harry (Anthony Mackie), Richardson (John Slattery) and Thompson (Terence Stamp); however, only Harry emerges as an ally and is all too eager to both help the hero and begin a quest for information and self worth that lead him to a dissonance in duty with his peers, Richardson and Thompson.

What really drew me into the plot of the film as I watched was the speed and character introduction.  There isn’t any wasted time and with one inevitable and unnecessary love scene (in which I covered my eyes) I didn’t constantly check my watch or want to leave.  I liked the way George Nolfi pulled it all together and made me believe Norris and Emily where on the path to being interesting and lovely static.  I wanted to see what would be allowable.  I wanted to see if Norris was held to the same parameters and limits of our universe.  What makes the movie good is their struggle to stay together and success of making subtle and unexpected "adjustments."  

New Edition: First Time Dad ©, Part 4

3/1/11

The news that we’re having a baby has sent a multitude of emotions through both 10 and I.  On the heels of a message at church about how God births things in us and we have to pray them out, I meditated on this and my eyes gushed with tears one morning on the way to work; 10 and I were spiritually and physically birthing our seed.

It wasn’t coincidence that in a couple of days we would be finding out the sex of the baby (we had a great turnout which included: both sets of parents, God parents, and other friends and family via speaker phone) and I had been listening to an excerpt of a message by Dr. David Jeremiah on a radio program hosted by Dr. James Dobson.  The tears I mentioned earlier were a result of Dr. Jeremiah touching story of how he raised his daughters.  At this point my thoughts had become like a movie, flashing back and forth between, “Daddy look at me daddy, I’m Hollywood daddy” , my Sunday school group and God’s love for us—from a father to a child—all examples of how He teaches us.  Nothing could stop the downpour from my eyes.  Nothing at that moment mattered more than the impact Jesus made in the lives of all mankind because God the Father wanted us to know His love.  His children.  Loved by Him.  Saved by Him.  Given purpose by Him.  Commissioned by Him.  Made possible only because of a freewill sacrifice. 

Now I am to follow after, mimic, my Heavenly Father to my daughter.  Full time.  And though I keep hearing about how my life will change I choose to focus on the positive.  God isn’t negative and I don’t think we should be either.  Encouragement welcome.  Foolishness and old wives tales, mental waste basket.  My pastor says it like this “I speak crop failure to that.”

So when does my mission of being a dad begin?  Conception.  When does it end?  Never.  How do I know?  She moves when I speak or when 10 says, “move for daddy.”  It’s one of my greatest joys. 

For more than a month I have felt small movements that feel like a pulse, but now our little girl is moving limbs and we can feel what seems like the impact of her feet and hands.  10 has even told me how she really gets to moving around at certain times of the day like clockwork.  We especially pray over her then, and we know we are building our bond with her.  I am grateful that we have prepared and been obedient as to the timing.  “Hey pretty girl.  Mommy and daddy love you and we can’t wait to meet you.”