Toy Story 3

  We went to the movie theater!  I am trying for the life of me to remember what the last movie we saw together in the theater was--could have been Four Christmases, since I think that came after The Dark Night.  Perhaps I am forgetting something, but it's been a while.

  We went to see Toy Story 3 this weekend, and it was wonderful.  Pixar seems to have this down to a science--I saw somewhere that they had made around $6 billion since the first Toy Story.  I went in expecting to love it, and wasn't disappointed.

  But I was surprised.  I had expected a story written for kids.  This is not a kids' movie.  There are things in it for kids, and most kids will probably enjoy it, but it is an emotional, action-packed, intense movie, filled with moments that find you gripping the seat, as well as bringing tears (Yup, I cried).

  The overarching question in this movie revolves around Andy going off to college, and what to do with his old, favorite toys.  They have been packed in a crate for years now, and a debate swirls about their future, be it a box in the attic, the trash can, or a day-care.  Woody believes their purpose revolves around being there for Andy--others are tired of resting in a box and want to be played with, while some are just ready to give up.

  The movie is well worth watching to see how this all wraps up.  They meet Lotso, the seemingly lovable bear that runs Sunnyside Day Care with an iron fist.  He's had his heart broken once, and sets up a system to ensure that he is never hurt again.  The intense escape scene brings out one of my favorite scenes in the movie.  Just when you're ready to give up...

  The movie has surprising depth for Christians, too.  It deals with growth, with change and the tough decisions that revolve around that.  Andy is moving on to college, and in the midst of his transition, how does he deal with the things of his youth?  The toys are dealing with transition, too.  What is their purpose?  We all come up against these questions in our time--as life changes, we have to discover new purpose.  As we grow, we have to discard some of the things of our youth.  We have to keep growing, keep changing, always with Christ before us.  It means we are called to make tough decisions, to cast off habits or things from our youth.  It won't be an easy decision, but for each new day, we have to be ready to follow Christ, wherever he leads.  If we stay in the same place, however comfortable or happy we may be, we are in effect choosing not to follow Christ.  Where does he lead?  Where is he calling you?  Are you listening?

  It calls us to a discipline of listening.  Do you have any silence in your life?  Do you pay attention to what God is saying, what God is doing around you?  Are you ready and willing to change for Christ?  Will you seek the prize?

  There will be moments that will be fun and delightful, and there will be difficult moments.  But Christ is worth everything!