He achieved everything. It wasn’t enough.
In our achievement culture, we’re all faced with a choice that beats in the background of our lives: what matters?
Milt Abel II left home and achieved all he set out to do. The legendary pastry chef moved from some of the top restaurants in the U.S., to the top restaurants in the world. But through it all, like a bassline, he had moments where he came face to face with questions his achievements couldn’t answer. His father’s sickness. His own child.
At such moments, what do our achievements mean? How do they matter? What should we sacrifice?
This Father’s Day, whether you’re a father, a son, or a daughter, take 15 minutes with someone you love to watch this short film. It’ll be a vehicle to bring you closer — more in-tune, you might say — with whomever you watch it with. This beautiful and moving piece was made by Breakwater Studios and directed by Ben Proudfoot, who has helped Young Life staff engage in what matters through storytelling.
After, ask three questions:
- What stood out? What did you notice that moved you?
- What’s your story of achievement? Where do you feel like you need to achieve the most in your life?
- How do you answer, “What matters?” Is your cognitive answer something others could tell by looking at your life?
And if you enjoyed this, drop us a line at ylcommunity@sc.younglife.org. We’d love to hear your story!
