Practice ARK

I saw a wonderful movie the other day: “Evan Almighty.” This was a spin-off movie to the more comedic “Bruce Almighty” with Jim Carrey and Morgan Freeman.

In this movie, “The Office’s” Steve Carell played Evan Baxter, who is a newly elected congressman who wants to change the world. Consequently he is visited by God (Morgan Freeman expertly reprising his role), who instructs Evan to build an ark, as in Noah’s ark. Soon strange biblical-type events begin to occur. Amid funny scenes surrounding animals and growing facial hair, there are many poignant scenes as well as gentle messages that are coming directly from the heavens.

At one point, God incognito as a waiter named ‘Al Mighty’ sits down with Evan’s wife, for a heart to heart talk. She is torn between loving her husband and wanting to lock him up as a nut case, since he’s building an ark in their backyard. She also wonders, as does everyone else about the Evan’s new beard and wardrobe. Evan’s hair is now grown out along with his beard; he tried to shave but God just grew it all back in an instant. Evan is also now running around with shredded robes and dress of the original Noah. According to Evan, the outfit provided by God, is very comfortable compared to his three-piece designer suits that he was custom to wearing, before all the craziness began.

God sits down with Evan’s wife, played by Lauren Graham from TV’s “Gilmore Girls”, and points out that people pray for all sorts of things. New jobs, new cars, happier families (her prayer) and that God doesn’t instantly wave a magic wand and give these items to people; rather he provides opportunities for these items or events to happen. When Evan begins building his ark, he has his sons to help him and they all become closer as a result. Evan’s wife’s prayer is answered.

I thought that this was an excellent method of reminding people of the way God works. When we prayer or ask, it is indeed given. But not necessarily in the manner in which the person specifically wants. Rather opportunities are presented so the final outcome is what the person wanted or needs. The essence or underlying truth of the request is always fulfilled.

Look back on what you’ve asked God for lately and observe how your life has been presented with opportunities for the request to take place.

The other poignant moment come when God speaks to Evan about how to change the world. According to God, one can change the world by one act of random kindness at a time. Acts of Random Kindness…ARK…. building an ark…was the biblical story really a metaphor for something bigger than a flood?

The movie has us thinking on that point and introduces several other relevant issues pertinent to today’s world and how we tend to operate. It is funny and poignant, without being preachy. It is a great movie for the entire family.

I know for me I will continue to build my own ark, practice my acts of random kindness and watch out for floods where ever or when ever they may come.