When We Choose Joy, There Is No Need To Fix Things In The End

by Eric Elkin

“Holy Father, keep them in your own care—all those you have given me—so that they will be united just as we are, with none missing.”

— John 17:11

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn was one of the last movies Robin Williams made before his death in 2014. Williams plays Henry Altmann, an angry man who easily flies off the handle into fits of rage in the comedy-drama. The movie's whole premise is that Henry Altmann discovers he has ninety minutes to live. With the clock ticking on his life, he tries to figure out how to die well.

All attempts to die well fail miserably. Henry Altmann goes home to spend the last ninety minutes with his wife, only to find out she has been having an affair. He attempts to make a video telling his estranged son how much he loves him. But he flies into a rage halfway through the recording and passes out.

Through all the mishaps, we learn that Henry Altmann's life is a mess. He hates the world and everyone who lives in it, including members of his own family. A failed attempt to end his life turns things around. He reconciles with his son, finds peace with his wife, and subdues his anger long enough to remember the good times.

The movie got me thinking, what compels people to want their ending to undo their living? Why is it so important to fix things in the end? Obviously, people want to die in peace, but wouldn't it be better to live in peace? I think we would live better if we pursued "fixing things" while we still had decades to live instead of ninety minutes.

“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.”

— Robin Williams

The movie's plot line stands in stark contrast to Robin Williams' real life. William's life was filled with failed marriages and broken friendships. Yet, he also managed to heal most, if not all, of those broken relationships. Robin Williams trended towards humor, not anger, even though depression and anxiety were real presences in his life.

Robin Willams did not die well. His mind was being destroyed by Lewy Body Dementia. His wife, Susan Schneider, described the disease as "the terrorist living inside my husband's brain." But we, the fans of Robin Williams, do not remember the end. We remember his living amazingly captured in endless hours of recorded joy.

What if we all lived like there were ninety minutes left to live? I doubt we would be as committed to road rage, guns, and finger gestures as many people are today. My guess is we would focus on what is beautiful, precious, and loving. If we lived this way, our lives would be full of wonderful stories of beautiful moments. There would be no need to undo our life.

Today's reading captures Jesus praying to God before he goes to his death. The words of verse 11 are so beautiful and tender, "keep them in your care…with none missing." My prayer for you is to live as though you are in the care of Jesus, and none of us is missing from a heavenly embrace.

Click to read John 17: 1-11