As Jenny ascended the stairs at the Gump house, Forrest proposed marriage. She turned him down, saying, “You don’t want to marry me.”
Forrest was clearly disappointed and asks her, “Why don’t you love me, Jenny?’ Then without waiting for her reply, he states, “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.” He walked out the front door to the porch to stand alone with his thoughts.
I love that line. “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”
It demonstrates the confidence Forrest had in his abilities and shows an awareness of his own limitations.
Forrest knew his limitations … but he also knew what he knew.
He knew his ability to love.
He knew who he was as person.
He knew what he valued.
He knew what he wanted in life.
Sometimes I feel like Forrest Gump myself … not very smart … or at least a little slow to catch on. It takes me longer to figure some things out. For example:
- I tend to hold on to some ideas too long before realizing it’s time to let go.
- I sometimes misinterpret situations even when my instincts are telling me differently.
- I sometimes prejudge others, deciding who they are only to find out they are someone different.
- I frequently think I can do all things on my own and forgo asking for help … even when I need help and help is available.
Misinterpreting, prejudging, pridefulness, and holding on too tightly are things I can improve.
When I look at today’s world with all of the uncertainty and changes that are occurring, I realize that complacency and rigidity are not good long-term strategies. Now is the time for urgency.
I realize that sitting back and waiting for others to solve my challenges is not an action plan. Now is the time for urgency.
I understand that the gravy train I’ve been riding has pulled into the station. The conductor is telling me to get off. Now is the time for urgency.
I remain optimistic because the American spirit is alive in me. And I believe it’s alive in many other people. And yet, I wonder.
Do I know my limitations?
Do I know what I know?
Do I know what I don’t know?
I may not be a smart man … but I know what urgent is.
Now is the time for urgency.
Next Blog Title: Five Steps to Function With Gumption
Next Blog Date: September 29, 2011