I don’t watch much television. I’m generally busy with other things: reading, writing, cleaning, etc. I definitely enjoy a good basketball or football game, and there are some decent movies or series available. But for the most part, sitting on the couch with my puppies just induces early bed time for me.
One series that has grabbed my heart is THE CHOSEN. (If you haven’t jumped on that bandwagon, I’m not sure what you’re doing.) Season 4 launched in theaters February 1st. That means we spent several evenings rewatching Season 3 to properly prepare our hearts.
If you haven’t seen the last episode of Season 3, drop everything right now, get a box of kleenex, and snuggle in with a fuzzy blankie. I’ve seen it at least three times (maybe four) and it wrecks me still. I won’t ruin it by attempting to explain, but it made me sit and think.
We’re often impacted in life by major events (good and bad). There are weddings and funerals. We have our first grandchild. We take trips to breathtaking places. So many things. And yet, I wonder. Am I more impacted, molded, and formed by the simple day-to-day in life?
As I watched this series and came to know the characters in the story, I’ve decided that life really happens in the simple, often insignificant parts of our day. (Which clearly aren’t so insignificant.) When we’re quiet. When we’re interrupted. Whether we’re at work or sitting on the front porch. How we interact with people; those are the most influential moments.
This has all been validated recently by some pretty incredible encounters. Whether on the couch circled up with friends, at a table in Cracker Barrel, or tucked away in a study corner at church, I’ve watched beautiful portraits come to life. Hearts that are broken being vulnerable. Minds that are clouded with doubt and darkness come out to the light of day. Wounded spirits finding compassion that opens a door to healing.
Like most people, I’ve had my share of trials in life. I come from divorced parents, but I’ve also seen God restore love. I’ve been divorced (let’s not talk about how many times right now), but I’ve been the recipient of His redemption. I’ve made mistakes with my boys, but I can also recount abundant blessings. I’ve
lost those I love to tragedy, but I’ve tasted of His goodness in the midst of heart-wrenching grief. I’ve sat with friends who wanted to be buried with their child. I’ve been told the “C” word twice. I’ve been falsely accused. I’ve made terrible choices. On and on and on. But at the end of each day, I lay my head down resting in the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God.
It has become my “job” to share this life-giving Jesus with those who need hope. To help them see that even in the midst of the worst hurt, He is there with His hand extended; ready to pull us up. It doesn’t mean we won’t suffer. But it does mean we don’t suffer alone.
Matthew 11:28-30 ~ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.