Whitney and I watched this new release movie, “A Dog’s Purpose,” a few days ago, and we decided it was hands-down one of the most excellent we’ve seen in a long time. The dog’s thoughts are voiced by Josh Gad, you know, Olaf from Frozen. They are real, and real life is funny. This is an excellent family film, no racy scenes. (There is sme kissing, but it’s pretty innocent.) It features a dog who is reincarnated multiple times, and lives very different lives. (If you’re watching with kids, you’ll have explain reincarnation.) He’s trying to discover his purpose in each existence, wants to please his master, and loves food. (But don’t all dogs?) As he goes from dog to dog he becomes an experienced old soul. I won’t ruin the ending, but it makes you go “Ahhhh. (A heart string tugger.)
I don’t believe in reincarnation, but I saw past that and allowed myself to enjoy the ride. Who knows? Animals might just be born again. They are so intuitive, maybe that how they get that characteristic. That’s one more question for my Heaven Question List. (Things I’ll ask about when I get through the pearly gates.)
Have you ever truly contemplated your purpose in life? I know we’re here to get a body and prove ourselves, but did we each arrive on earth with a certain purpose to fulfill? Was it parent, Olympian, teacher of children, influential doctor, astronaut, or inventor of something revolutionary? I guess the majority of us go through life not knowing exactly what our purpose is. It’s another entry for the Heaven Question List. All I can say is: Live right and bo your best. If you become a society influencer or a parent (it’s the same thing) and you demonstrated your best effort. That’s really the most significant. We might acknowledge what our lot in life is instantaneously, or we might always wonder. We might have made a difference without knowing the real impact we made in someone’s life. But in my heart I know it will all be resolved in the end.
And finally this movie made me ponder loyalty. Dogs do find their pack and become fiercely loyal. Are we that loyal to our pack? A pack could be family, a group of friends gathered together for multiple reasons, or a congregation. No matter what your pack is, are you loyal to the end? I know we tend to treat our family the worst, but why? Are we too close, relaxed or familiar? Why do siblings fight the hardest? I hope I have taught my children to associate, defend, and speak highly of one another out in the world. When you see this actually happen you know you raised them correctly. It’s an awesome feeling. (Mommy melts with pride!) Loyalty is proof positive of your true character. (Like a talking mirror on the wall.)
The final quote teaches us immensely: “Have fun, obviously. Whenever possible, find someone to save and save them. People weren’t meant to be lonely. Lick the ones you love. Don’t get all sad faced about what happened and scrunchy-faced about what could. Just be here now. Be. Here. Now. That’s a dog’s purpose.”
KimPressions 