Cry Baby Posted by Ashleigh Slater on December 13, 2009

Last night I convinced Ted to watch the film, Julie & Julia with me. It didn't take much, considering that he owed me.

At our house, we don't keep a running score in the area of media consumption. It's not often that I say, "I watched Ice Road Truckers with you, now you need to watch Penelope or Pride & Prejudice with me." There are exceptions, though. One such exception occurred earlier this week.

I watched Disney's 1979 science fiction film The Black Hole with Ted. He first saw the movie as a teen, and that experience stands out fondly in his memory.

As we watched, he quickly realized that his likes and dislikes have changed significantly since he was thirteen. He didn't enjoy the film this time around. Let's just say his memory failed to record the humanoids, the ESP conversations between the leading lady and a robot, and the bizarre heaven and hell sequence in this Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea inspired film.

Once the credits rolled, it was Ted who determined he indeed owed me.

While Ted didn't care for the political leanings of Julie & Julia, his pay back wasn't as painful as he anticipated. As he watched, he resonated with the male characters, specifically Julie's husband, Eric Powell. Several of the couple's conversations -- about purpose, about blogging, about discouragement -- hit close to home. Like Julie, as well as Alida Oegema in this week's piece "Run and Release" on Ungrind, I tend to wonder why life is or isn't moving in a particular direction, and what I'm meant to do with the talents and desires I have.

As a result, I respond emotionally. Unlike writer Alison Frenzel in Ungrind's other article this week "Cry Baby," I struggle with being too sensitive. Too many times I feel as Julie Powell did as she sat curled up on her kitchen floor -- like an emotionally disturbed toddler. Producing tears, or displaying emotion, are not problems for me. And Ted is always there to help me regain composure and dignity.

I've discovered that keeping score on what we watch may not be a bad thing. Maybe I'll volunteer to sit through another science fiction flick with him. It may result in a viewing buddy on the film Amelia when it comes out on video. I never did make it to the theater to see that one.

Comments

[Danielle]

I really enjoyed this article. I'm one who equated emotions with weakness most of my life. A stoic attitude was something to admire. If one was emotional, one could be controlled. Really, it's been the influence of my husband and God showing me the truth to realize that emotion is something God created. Although I don't want to completely be controlled by them, they are part of having a soft heart towards others and even God himself.

[Ashleigh Kittle Slater]

Danielle, I think your comment raises a great point! When it comes to emotions, balance is important -- whether we struggle with expressing emotion or keeping them reigned in.

As someone who struggles with being overemotional, a big issue for me is making sure my feelings aren't directing, or as you said "controlling," me. It's a daily battle for me. Instead, I have to work hard to make sure that I weigh them against scripture. I have to remind myself that it's OK to feel passionately, but it's not OK to use them as an excuse for sin.

[Michelle DeRusha]

I love this article and its honesty! I am a crier...and oh I hate crying in the bathroom stall at work! It does happen from time to time.