This morning my sister and I watched the final movie that was on our list of movies that we wanted to watch together before I move back to Provo. The final movie was The Land Before Time. As annoying as I think it is that there are...what...thirteen now (?)...Land Before Time movies, I actually really love the first one. It's adorable, and it actually has a good message. Hence my title. Imagine having a children's movie teach you about one's journey through life. Because that's what The Land Before Time does. I was first made aware of the connection in a seminary class, and today I noticed many parallels that I really loved:
- When Little Foot asks his mother if she's ever seen the Great Valley, she says no, and he asks her how she knows it's really there. Her answer is, "Some things you see with your eyes; others you see with your heart."
- Little Foot's mother tells Little Foot to follow his heart to help him find the Great Valley.
- When his mother dies, Little Foot loses heart and temporarily gives up on his hopes of reaching the Great Valley.
- The young dinosaurs have to overcome some prejudices when interacting with each other, but in the end they must rely on each other and work together to reach the Great Valley.
- Cera decides to take the "easy way" to the Great Valley; she leads all of the others but Little Foot astray, with nearly disastrous consequences.
- Even though Cera criticized Little Foot, he still helps her and the other dinosaurs find their way back to the right path when they realize their mistake.
- When they arrive in the Great Valley, the young dinosaurs are greeted by the loved ones who had arrived before them.
Perhaps I'm reading more into this movie than was actually intended by the people who made the movie, but don't get all preachy to me about how I shouldn't be seeing symbolism that isn't there (ahem, Mrs. Pratt's former students). I'm not trying to convince anyone, nor am I holding anyone's grade on the line over whether or not we agree that the symbolism is there. :) I'm simply pointing out something that I liked about a movie I hold dear. I just thought it was a very fascinating comparison.
So to liken these points to real life: I haven't seen heaven, or my Heavenly Father, but I know they are there. I'm trying to use the Holy Ghost to guide my life. Even though there are trials, I'm working hard to concentrate on an eternal perspective. I'm trying to learn to love everyone, and I am grateful for the friends and family I have, on whom I can rely to help me make it on the path of life; I hope I, too, can be relied upon to help others. There is no "easy way" to eternal life; I hope I will never be enticed by such possibilities and that I might help others to come back if they stray off the strait and narrow path. Finally, I'm looking forward to the day when I will be greeted by those loved ones who have gone before me, and I hope that I will be able to hear the Lord say to me, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
You never know where you'll notice insights you never thought of before. Think about that the next time you scoff at cheesy children's movies. :)
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