Jimmy and I saw "American Sniper" tonight which is based on the life story of Chris Kyle who is known as the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history. There's a scene in the movie where Kyle, who had just completed his 4th and final tour of duty, is on the phone with his wife. He has recently returned to the States from oversees but instead of rushing home to see his family he is sitting in a bar alone. His wife reminds him that the kids haven't seen him for 9 months and questions why he hasn't come home yet. His response is a very sobering "I guess I just needed a minute." This exchange got me thinking about perspective and how it shapes everything we do. In this instance, I felt both Kyle and his wife's perspectives were valid despite the fact that they were miles apart. Perspective by nature is very selfish. We see things through our own eyes, which have been colored by our collective life experiences, opinions, values, and morals. But it is only when we can step outside of our own box that we truly learn and grow, and build a connection with another person.
This film also served as a reminder to me of how truly blessed I am to have an intact family structure. Even though Jimmy travels often for work, a week doesn't go by when we don't see him. Kyle had been away from his family for 9 months while alive and now he is physically gone from them forever. I couldn't imagine life without Jimmy and am grateful for the time we do spend together. What we go through week to week is nothing compared to what other families endure when loved ones are away for months or years. Such distance can destroy the family structure even when good intentions are involved. It's all a matter of perspective.
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