Busyness of Life

Posted by Avril Speaks March 18, 2013 0 Comment 169 views

Life has an interesting way of illuminating who we really are when we least expect it. As we carry out the busyness of our everyday lives, we often fail to stop, take inventory, and reflect on who we are and who we are becoming. As life crowds out our very existence, we find ourselves saying “No” to family and relationships. We say “No” to love when it comes our way. We say “No” to being kind to a stranger. Oftentimes, the things that really matter get replaced by the minutia, and the result is that we become a shell, merely existing and not living.

The film Desert Wedding is an example of how the busyness of a wedding can cause one to lose sight of what is really important. In the beginning of the film, we are drawn into the joy and celebration of the occasion. However, it doesn’t take long for us to see that the bride, Marissa, is not so happy. Wedding plans have gone wrong, leaving her to get angry and forget about the significance of the day and of the loved ones who have surrounded her. That is, until an unfortunate event forces her to remember the fragility of life. We watch with horror and disbelief as Marissa is thrown into the role of comforter for a stranger on his last breath. These are the moments when we think about regrets and wonder how things could have been done differently. Desert Wedding touches on many of the fears associated with dying, but it also forces us to revisit the big and small joys we may have missed along the way–from the touch of another human being to the camaraderie and love found at a wedding.

“Anyone who is among the living has hope…” The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 9:4-9 reminds us that our very breath gives us hope in the present. While tomorrow may not be promised, we can enjoy the life we have been given today. Eating, drinking, being joyful, and enjoying our loved ones are part of our human experience and should not be taken for granted. Weddings don’t happen to us everyday, but everyday we have opportunities to live life to the full and to give thanks for the things and people we regularly stare in the face.

1. What things did Marissa say “No” to in the film? What do you think were her regrets by the end of the film?
2. What did the limo driver say “No” to in his life prior to the accident? What were some of his regrets?
3. What are you currently saying “No” to in your life? What are you currently saying “Yes” to? What should you be saying “Yes” to?
4. What can you do today to rediscover the joys found in your everyday life?

Watch the film “Desert Wedding” »

Avril SpeaksAVRIL SPEAKS – Director, Editor
Avril has years of experience as a filmmaker to include credits as a producer, writer, director, and editor. She earned her M.F.A. in Film Directing from Columbia University in New York City, her B.S. from the University of Maryland in African American Studies and studied film production at Howard University.

Upon graduating from Columbia, Avril worked in development for USA Films (currently Focus Features), then went on to work for the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers in NYC. She has directed two award-winning feature films, and has directed and edited numerous short films, documentaries, music videos and commercials. As an advocate of film education and training, Avril has shared her passion for the arts by volunteering for several film-related panel discussions and festivals, and as a full time professor at Howard University in Washington, DC. She is currently studying at Fuller Theological Seminary, where she eventually hopes to direct her love for faith and film toward a PhD in Theology and Culture.

For more information, visit http://about.me/azuspeak

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