And the Oscar goes to.....

The  83rd Academy Awards are soon approaching--better known as the "Night of Oscars".  Millions of people will tune in to see who gets what from Best Actor, Best Actress, Best  Animated Feature, Best Directing, so on and so forth. It's a veritable who's who of "bests" that the American Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recognizes. Along with all the accolades, some of us (including me) will be watching the glamorous display of fashion, jewelry and fanciness that goes along with that night.  It's kind of fun, I think.  Like going out on a fancy date and getting all dressed up. But I digress....

One of my favorite categories, and typically one that they make you wait to the bitter end to find out who wins it, is Best Picture.  This being the 83rd year that the Academy Awards have been presented means that for 82 years there's been a Best Picture. I find that pretty amazing in and of it's self.  So, it got me thinking.  There is one thing that all pictures/movies have in common; one common theme.  And this common theme is key to not only pictures but life it self. For without it, things would be far different. I'm talking about conflict.

As I looked up some of the movies that have won over the years, I can't help but think what they would be like without some sort of conflict.  Take "Rocky"... can you imagine it without the fighting; without the battle of good and evil. Or speaking of good and evil, how about "The Lord of the Rings" saga?  Take out conflict and you are just left with the Shire, good looking Elves, and strong horsemen. (Please forgive me LotR fans!) Or "The Godfather" (Parts I and II) which also won for Best Picture. The Corleone  Family would be unrecognizable. My point is that conflict, however big or small, is key to effecting the story line of movies, characters, peoples and lives.

Let me just finish by saying that I'm "conflict avoidant". I will run to the hills in order to avoid what I perceive as conflict. We could delve deep into why that is, but for now, I won't.  Without some sort of conflict or trials, I would be living in Candy Land--floating through life without really any cares or  without any sense of stress or reason to fight, resolve, and sharpen or expand upon  the amazing life that God has given me. And better yet, because I am not alone in this world, it gives me opportunity to fine tune those relationships around me that mean the most to me.

So, the next time I'm faced with a conflict or trial, I will look at it as opportunity rather than shy away and see only harm.

~Reggie