Movie

I knew they were going to be out of town for most of the week, and Friday was only chance to get to be with all of them, before their families went in different directions. So I invited all four of my little ones to go see a movie, titled "Brave".  This would be Sam's (age 2)  first time to be in a big movie theater, and my first time to take any of them (Blake, Catherine or William)  to a movie.  I packed snacks, and four gatorades,  and we were off.  The ride in the car and the escalator served as event pleasing appetizers, but my little Sam was the happiest of all, for he had been included in this big field trip, and was watching every move of the older cousins. They each carefully carried their tickets to the ticket master for validation, and the excitement grew as they ran and skipped down the movie hall searching for the theater number.  

The previews had begun and Sam was a little hesitant upon entering the darkened room, but so wanted to keep up with the others, so he only missed a small beat, holding my hand for the needed security.  Blake sat on the end and the seating went from oldest to youngest, Blake, William, Catherine and Sam and me.  They were absolutely perfect, the whole time and as I looked from my end down to theirs and watched their little faces as they watched their movie, I couldn't help but feel the presence of pure joy that swelled within me. May these times and moments be precious memories that linger in our hearts for many years to come.  They ate their snacks, hardly moved, and watched attentively as Merida rode her horse, protected her mom who had been turned into a bear, and braved the antics a bunch of overgrown party animals.  Sam would move up in his seat occasionally just to get a back rub and once he even held Catherine's hand because he was scared of the presence of the big bear. Rehashing the story on the way home, it was funny becasue I could see how each favored part was a clear reflection and relative to each of the their personalities.  We picked up McDonalds in the Mall,  and everybody had to carry their own lunch back to the car. Lunch would be served picnic style when we got home followed by swimming.

What a great day.

I couldn't help but reflect on the image of them all sitting so quietly and so attentively.  The movie had captured their attention.  For there was a story they could follow, an adventure they could imagine,  fun that they could enjoy, and even a lesson about listening to your parents, and being careful to not do things or say things that you would later be sorry for. I don't know about you but I too learn from a good story.  I watch to see how a situation is handled, a response is accepted, or a decision is made etc.  And I try to figure it how it could relate to my own life.  How would I handle something, or what decision would I make?  Are the mistakes made some of the same ones that I have made?  Then I thought of the many bible stories I have heard over my lifetime and the lessons that God has taught me through them. So may times it comes down to a couple of main decisions; do I act in obedience to what God has taught me and do I trust Him in spite of my circumstances?  

As example, stories of:

Mary and Martha.....prioroties

Prodical Son....freedom has its limits

Sarah having a baby at an old age.....trust

Daniel and the Lion's den....God is in control

Moses....faithfulness

Paul...God can change hearts

The feature presentation of today is the one that God has directed. His daily presentation tells a story and storytelling is an act of making words come to life.  The daily stories that God has appropriated for my eyes to see, my ears to hear and my thoughts to process, are real life adventures; meant to stir up my senses, teach me lessons, and  help me to be aware of the opportunities that God has  placed before me. 

John 6:63

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.  

Funny, if you think about it, movies are stories told in the dark, manifested with special effects, and beauty of color and costume and are filled with imaginings of the mind that someone else has come up with.  We accept them as entertainment, and escape. In contrast, God's presentations are riddled with truths,  feats of miraculous proportions, are historically founded, and are encompassed with a creative genius that overshadows the greatest of minds.  His stories glean reality, and the everyday struggles, sacrifices and successes of life itself. His stories are all relative to human weaknesses vs strength, the battle for good over evil, forgiveness over grudge, and His ways over our own.  God needs no make believe, or magic, or simulated action or extravagance in costume and color.  He merely plans his story , develops his plan and carries it through in perfection for his purposes;  plain and simply done.  May we remember to interact and act accordingly, and stay constantly attentive so that we can follow his lead. 

It appears that our movie trip was just a little outing of fun, followed by lunch and swimming, oh but it was so much more.  It is all about relationships, and taking time and making time to be together.  For there the bonds of love are given roots, and with each new day they are strengthened, by interest shown, lessons learned, and love share.  

Dear Lord, Thank for the moments that I have been given to enjoy my precious grandchildren. My our bond of friendship , love and adoration continue to grow. And I ask you Lord to please give me the words of wisdom through stories to help them learn valued lessons of your steadfast love, commitment , grace and forgiveness.  Amen             

           
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!