There's this movie called "Up In The Air" starring George Clooney.
In it there's this middle-aged, single, independent guy named Ryan Bingham.
Ryan Bingham works as professional sacker. That's right. He works full-time as a person who flies all over the country, firing people because their bosses don't have the guts to do it themselves.
And rightfully so, I mean, people can get pretty crazy when they're fired.
Most people would think that the life Ryan lives is fun, filled with adventure, charming. I thought so anyway. The glamour of travel, always being on the road, meeting strangers, living in the moment. He gave talks about living the way he does, saying that the less baggage you have in your backpack, the easier it is.
Baggage as in family, friends, cars, houses.
It all seemed to make so much sense. You get paid well, you're always moving. Nothing weighs you down, you can try whatever you want to. You have no obligations. You're not tied down. When I watched that movie I wanted that so much.
You're a free, wealthy, independent man who's job it is to see the world. What could be better, right?
Nothing.
Except a family. People whose eyes light up every time they see you. A house to come home to. A significant other who can't get enough of you. Brothers and sisters who you could trust to die for you. Children who, when you burst through the front door can't voice how excited they are to see daddy come home that they can only squeal and wave their little hands wildly in the air.
Being home for Christmas. Sitting by a fire together because the heater is broken. Staring into space with your loved ones around you, enjoying life. Just taking it in.
Taking it in. Just. Take. It. In. The best moments in your life. Were they spent alone?
See Mr. Bingham, this is where you're wrong. You had me going with the whole individuality deal, but nothing. Not even money, travel, fast-lane living, solitude, or lack of obligation can create this kind of feeling in me.
Because right now, me, a teenager less than a week from Christmas, I can honestly say that I am truly, unconditionally, unshakably happy.
Merry Christmas. I can't say it enough.
Merry, merry, merry Christmas.
