The movie is from 2008, but I love it just the same. Marley and Me stars Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, but Marley the dog steals the show! A sweet story of love and family, one of my favorite lines is spoken after a huge fight between husband and wife. They are both exhausted between three kids and a high-energy dog who gets into a lot of trouble. John (the husband) talks to his best friend about it. He’s single and suggests he just leave his wife. “Mend it, don’t end it!” is his reply. He loves and is committed to his wife and family.
The strong marriage bond and how they work through things is enough, but Marley and Me has another profound message for us: God works in mysterious ways! You won’t hear that line in this PG-rated movie, but it is a truth, nonetheless.
You see, as a writer, John had a dream of becoming a big-time journalist for a huge newspaper. His single friend gets the call, and although John is happy for him, he feels a bit like a failure. Life had different plans for him, though: dog, wife, children. He’s a great dad, loving husband, and awesome doggy dad! By the way, he writes these really cute stories about his family and dog.
Finally, though, the call comes, and he moves his family from Florida to the East Coast for a “real” job writing for a newspaper. John realizes quite quickly, though, he isn’t cut out for the rat race and cut-throat business of reporting news. He is drawn back to the wholesome yet clever stories of ordinary life.
The movie takes you through the years as life unfolds and Marley ages. You will want to have tissues handy for the end, but everything comes together. God had plans for John, but they weren’t what John thought…when are His ways ever our ways? His single friend may have gotten the cool job, but he is alone and not happy. He doesn’t have anyone to share life with.
John’s life is full of laughter and love, and he eventually puts all his articles together in a book entitled, Marley & Me, touching countless lives with his tender stories of life and love. John certainly had some challenging times, but he was on the right path for him as God ordained.
Are you on the right path? I know we can often feel a bit lost, like we are wandering around in the forest. Yet, God has plans for you and me. The tighter we hold on to our own ideas, the longer it will take to see the better plan God has for us. Fall is here. What better time to learn from the leaves of trees and let go. Fall freely into what God has in store for you, and I imagine, the colors will be magnificent!
We can get too close to our own lives sometimes, and a fresh set of eyes can help. As a coach, I can help uncover hidden talents and work with you to seek God’s plan for you. I would love to help you reach your full potential and come into your calling. Let’s chat!
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