This movie is a staple at our house. It is always being quoted, but it has to be done in a slow, southern drawl (or its just not right!) Forrest was a simple, slow man (who loved Dr. Pepper,) but some things he said were extemely wise. The best quote was “Life is like a box of choc-o-lates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Isn’t that the truth? Life is always throwing us curveballs. (Take my life as a prime example!) We need to be adaptive, and take change well as it comes at us. Also, a good attitude will serve you well as you take on the ups and downs. “I don’t know if we have a destiny, or if we’re floating accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think it’s both. Maybe they’re happening at the same time.” (I wish there was a sequel, where he meets the missionaries and learns the gospel.) Forrest needs to know there are no accidents. God puts us in the right place at the right time. We can affect other’s lives for good or bad. Each one of us is a part of the grand scheme. How we shape it is up to us. “Run Forrest, Run” I use this quote often. I say it as I drive my wheelchair so fast, people have to run to keep up! But it also can remind us just to keep pressing forward. Sometimes we’ve got to give our workout, project, or chore a last final shot of energy just to finish strong. Anything is possible, we need to push on through to the end. We can do more than we think we can. (Just remember, God does not give us more than we can handle!) Talking about what God gives us… “You have to do the best with what God gave you.” We’ve heard it as taking our lemons and making lemonade. We all have been blessed with gifts and talents. I am not overly talented, but I have discovered quite a few by trying many things. Some,I was incredibly good at; some, not so much. You have hidden talents, but you don’t know about them because you haven’t tried them all. Another way to look at this quote is: Are we making the most of the hand we are dealt? I have been given a crappy hand, however I am determined to make the most of it. I will improve my circumstances no matter what. (So can you!) As he excelled at Ping Pong he said, “Never, ever take your eye off the ball.” Do we ever lose focus? (It’s easy to do.) Do we ever fall down in utter exhaustion with our day-to-day chores? We forget the overall big picture. Remember the core reason for your existence and why we endlessly toil each day. Then straitened your shirt and get back to work with a renewed sense of purpose. When they were taking out frustrationsat Jenny’s house, Forrest said, “Somtimes, I guess, there just aren’t enough rocks.” Sometimes you feel so upset about something, you just can’t get your anger or bitterness to completely go away. (Stroke should be a four letter word.) But over time, the sadness will decimate. I know it will get better, maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow, but someday it won’t hurt so bad. It won’t seem so tragic. Jenny and Forrest went together like “peas and carrots.” We do have (or will have) our soulmate. It could be a spouse, or a friend, or a child. He also said, “I’m not a smart man… but I know what love is.” My soulmate is Darin, my husband. We communicate almost telepathically. There are a few things guys will never understand about females (true story,) but for the most part we “get” each other. I do appreciate the unfailing faith and the precise care he has for me. One saying that’s the my favorite is “Stupid is as stupid does.” If your words don’t align with your actions, you won’t be able to be true to yourself and others. Stay honest to your beliefs and values, live with integrity. (“That’s all I have to say about that.”) There are so many other wise words and thoughts, but I have hit my favorites. If you haven’t seen Forrest Gump lately, watch it, and pick out your favorite life lessons.
KimPressions 