Gravity & Spiritual Refinement

Last weekend we were able to go see Gravity, thanks to the incredible kindness of Kassie's Aunt Janet. When we walked out of the theater we had so much to discuss. First of all, it was an amazing movie and just the craft and skilled storytelling was enough to chew on. 

Kassie had a few really good points that led us to both ponder a little more about our current situation and what we are actually experiencing. If you haven't seen the film, go see it. I won't give any spoilers here so don't worry. Basically Sandra Bullock's character is thrown around space for the whole movie as she tries to return to earth. 

In many ways the film represented to us the journey we all take into mortality, and how much of our life here is learning how to embrace the extreme and difficult things given us. In the image above Dr. Ryan Stone is cut off from all support, very much like when a newborn baby's umbilical is cut and the child enters a whole new journey. She has to make a choice about what she will do and believe, and this choice is really the center of the entire movie. 

President Monson recently addressed this concept of struggle and choice in his General Conference talk, "I will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee."

Our Heavenly Father, who gives us so much to delight in, also knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass...
This should be our purpose—to persevere and endure, yes, but also to become more spiritually refined as we make our way through sunshine and sorrow. Were it not for challenges to overcome and problems to solve, we would remain much as we are, with little or no progress toward our goal of eternal life.

Kas and I realize that our struggles and challenges right now are very small compared to what other individuals face. However, this doesn't make life easier. We know that President Monson is right on and that we are growing and progressing on our journey toward our Heavenly Home.

Now, in keeping with the deep and thoughtful tone of this post, check out my first interview with Hinckley.

Our little boy is doing well. As a father to the young lad I feel closer to my Heavenly Father who knows the end from the beginning. In so many ways I am like Hinckley. I am spiritually learning to talk, to sit up, and understand the unseen world around me.