If your house was on fire and you only had 60 seconds, what would you grab?
The pivotal question from an Irish Movie "Leap Year" is when Declan asks Anna if her house was burning and she had 60 seconds, what would she grab. Interestingly, we don’t ever know Anna’s answer to that question. However, her search for an answer changes how she has evaluated the men in her life. She watches as her fiancé, Jeremy, scrambles to grab electronics – cell phone, iPod, computer, camera, etc. – thinking there is a possible fire in the building. Certainly, we understand to a point – it’s hard to replace a phone or computer – all the work and files and contacts, etc. But it was all centered around possessions and work and accomplishments. This is starkly contrasted with Declan who said he would grab a ring, significant in that it was a family heirloom and had belonged to his mother. Declan was sentimental and put little stock in name brands and titles. Anna had to choose: did she want to spend her life with a man who would be married to his job and possessions, or to a man who would be married to her and his family? One guy might make better money, but the other was nearly guaranteed to take better care of her. One would know her taste in shoes, the other would know her heart.
It’s a simple question, but can reveal so much about a person. It’s a great question to ask – whether it’s in response to Leap Year or just in casual conversation – if you only had a few minutes, the house is going down in flames, what would you grab? See what matters most to the people around you. It can lead to some great discussions about their priorities and what fulfills them (or what they think fulfills them!). It’s a great question to ask for a natural segue from your culture into areas of faith.
My Favourite Quotes:
“When my 60 seconds came around I realised I had everything I ever wanted... but nothing I really needed. And I think what I need is here. And I came all this way to see if you maybe think so too. If you do, well... I don't really have plans past that, which is new for me. So, Declan O'Callhan and I should probably learn your middle name, here is my proposal; I propose we not make plans, I propose we give this thing a chance and let it work out how it works out. So, what do you say, do you wanna not make plans with me?” & “Why don't you stop trying to control everything in the known universe. It's dinner. Have a little faith that it will all work out.”
However, one of the things I really like about the film was the moment when Amy Adams’ Anna pulled the fire alarm to see what items her fiancé would grab from their apartment. It made me ask myself, what items will I grab with me from my house if it were burning to the ground? The other question would be, who would I save first if my house was on fire? What is really important in our lives? What would I save first in a situation like that?
“I had everything I ever wanted, but nothing I really needed”
There are many things we think we need, but we actually don’t. The bare necessities? Air, water, food, and clothes I guess. Maybe a house? Well at least a roof over your head. Money? Well you need money to buy the basics isn’t it? I really should ask myself this question the next time I mull over a purchase, is it something I really need?
So what would YOU grab if your house was on fire, and you only had 60 seconds?