In the beginning, they weren't for kids though the story lines were simple enough for them to understand. They were believable in a way, lush with color, music and as much action as they could pack in. Most of the time, they were just plain fun to watch. Loveable characters chasing each other around the screen with all kinds on shenanigans and adventures. Usually Tom was dominant, carefully planning some sort of adventure and Jerry would pop-up and somehow spoil it. And then the chase was on! Reel after reel, Tom would tear around trying to catch Jerry mouse. It was great fun as somehow Tom always ended up frustrated as Jerry got a bit better of him, but not always. In later years they teamed up and became friends that went on adventures together.
When you think about things that we chase as an adult, it gets a little more complex than a cartoon plot. That job, relationship or thing we desire is in full Technicolor in our chase. We scheme and plot ways to get what we want all kind of ways, from the carefully planned to the random zany what if scenarios we imagine. Sometimes they kinda half work but don't full achieve the goal.
We think, probably too much, with our heads as our life plot unfolds with the "plan." But somehow the plan never works quite right. Somehow we think that we have failed. But what fun would it be if everything always just worked the first time? If Tom caught Jerry in the first reel, and ate him, then what? We'd feel bad for the mouse and despise the arrogant cat. Or would we pay to see Jerry blubbering as he always has to run from the pressure and never gets the cheese? Not sure that is going to sell many tickets.
The fun in life is in the chase. It's clear that Tom and Jerry have this kind of relationship. Unpredictable and quirky, things just happen. Sometimes one gets a little over on the other but in the end they have this zany balance that works. Because they are both in and they both chase each other. We want both of them to succeed - it's what makes it fun.
We will never be happy if we get everything we want, exactly the way we want it. The fun isn't about setting the trap or eating the cheese, it's about the joy of learning to live together. The way we handle frustration builds both character and faith. Chasing your dreams is important, but so is living in the here and now.
Tom never caught Jerry and Jerry never got the cheese. But in the end, they loved each other and brought us joy. Perhaps everything we needed to know we learned as kids.