Going to the Movies

by | Jun 4, 1999 | Influence, Parenting

A good Sister in Christ mentioned to me a couple of weeks ago how much she enjoyed these things I write each week. I really appreciated that. It made me realize that maybe they are not a waste of time after all. Someone else asked where I get the ideas for these articles and my reply was “mainly from just watching life and the people that make it up”. That means both the good and the bad sides. It is not really that hard if one takes the time to step back every once in a while and look at this glorious gift from God called life.

Case in point: Late one recent Saturday afternoon, for some strange reason, I decided to take the kids to see a movie they had mentioned, (several times at that), they wanted to see. Taking into consideration the types of movies out there today I was pleased that it was the latest Disney-Pixar production on the theater-going market. I asked them if they wanted to go and it was obvious that Dad was an immediate success.

“We’re going to the movies, we’re going to the movies” rang loud and clear throughout the house for the better part of an hour. I realized that it does not take much to please a child. Two hours at a theater, high-priced tickets for something that is going to be released on video in a few months anyway, too much money spent on popcorn and the like, and these two were in their version of “heaven on earth”.

They watched the previews of upcoming “G” rated movies and decided they were going to have to return to see every one of them. (At least at kid’s movies the previews are aimed at kids and not that so called “adult entertainment” which to me is an oxymoron.)

This was a pretty good kid’s flick I would have to say. The place was filled with children and parents and I could hear and see that the parents were enjoying this as much as the young ‘uns. We parents laughed almost as loud as the kids and we applauded when the good guys triumphed over the bad guys. For awhile at least we were all kids again. The grown-ups were getting a small break from the everyday stress and tension that comes with life.

Three rows in front of us sat a grandmother who had brought five of her grandchildren to the theater. I knew she was a grandmother, not because it said “World’s Greatest Grandma” on the sweatshirt she was wearing, but mainly the kids kept saying “Nana, I need to go to the bathroom”, or “Nana, I need something else to drink”. This lady made at least 4 trips to the restroom and 6 to the concession stand during the course of the feature. It did not frustrate her in the least. Every time she walked up the aisle with one of the children in tow she just smiled and would tell the little one “This won’t take long and you won’t miss a thing in the movie”. And the others would sit under the watchful eye of the oldest child who was no more than 12 years old.

Upon leaving the theater I was able to catch a glimpse into the character of this grandmother. (All it takes sometimes is just to watch and listen.)

The lobby was crowded with people slowly filing out the door and this troop of movie-goers was right in front of us holding hands so they would not become separated, the 12 year old leading the way. A little boy about 4 to 5 years of age looked at his grandmother and asked “Nana, do you think Papa saw this movie in Heaven?”

THAT caught my attention. And like that little innocent boy I wanted to hear what she would say. “Honey, I’m sure your Papa was too busy keeping an eye on you watching the movie instead and he was hoping YOU liked it”, was the reply she gave. Her grandson said, “I DID like it Nana. I liked it a lot.” She leaned over and kissed him on the top of his head and they were out the door.

What did YOU see in her? As for me, I saw a woman who dearly loves her grandchildren, a woman who apparently spoke to them often and lovingly of the man who was her life’s companion, a woman who wanted them to know of the goodness she saw in him, and a woman who misses him greatly.

I thought about her and those kids on the way home while mine were talking about and giving their reviews of the movie just seen and asking “Can we go back tomorrow and see it again?” (No. Dad’s broke.)

And I thought about what I had learned. A young child was concerned about whether or not his grandfather saw the movie and whether or not Papa liked it as much as him. And this child assumed that if he liked it a lot, then he was sure Papa did too. I also thought about the influence this grandfather must have on those children even though he is no longer with them. And it made me think. What kind of influence am I having on MY children?

Let me suggest that you get out to a kid’s movie sometime. Spend the money and laugh with the children. Be a kid again for awhile. And then watch and listen.

Sometimes the best features are found in what you see and hear from people.

Mike Williams mwilliams@djis.net

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