The Heartbreak Kid (Charles Grobin, 1973)

During the Christmas season, I typically attend a local production that features the life of Christ: His birth, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. As odd as it sounds, today, the crucifixion held special comfort for me. Viewing (a watered down version of) it reminded that not only did Jesus take my sins to the cross, He also took my pains. Every hurt that I endure, He's already handled.

I have a sweet sweet friend who recently experienced a terrible loss. It's a type of grief with which Sassy is personally acquainted. So, I have been contemplating the grief and loss she must feel. But, just as there was for me, there is a balm for her pain--and it's found in the cross.

As I watched the play today, I was reminded of how true it is that God's grace is sufficient for me and His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). So, when the hard times come, I cast all my cares on Him because truly He cares for me (I Peter 5:7).

One day, my God will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for that order of things will pass away (Rev 2:14). Until then, I find comfort in knowing that The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18).

Cry Baby (Johnny Depp, 1984)

You can learn so many spiritual lessons from children. The Lord dropped a pretty big one in my lap as I witnessed my son's third tantrum of the day. This particular tantrum was brought on by my child's urgent desire for juice. Totally put off by my refusal to allow him to drink out of the 46 oz. juice bottle, he proceeded to lay on his stomach, cover his head, and scream into the floor.

Undeterred by his ritual, I poured juice into his cup and then offered it to him. I called his name...no response--he's still screaming into the floor. So, I called him again...and again...and again. I tapped his leg, his back, and then tried to turn him over and stand him up. I tried everything but he was too focused on expressing his discontent to even notice the juice I offered him.

It struck me that I've probably done the same thing to God. I know there have been times I've ignored His call; there were times I failed to see the blessing He'd placed right in front of me. You see, I was too busy complaining and being angry with Him for not giving me what I wanted/when I wanted it/how I wanted it. All the while, the blessing was right there for me--but in a vessel that I could use more effectively rather than the one I originally requested.

Instead of becoming angry, I hugged my son and whispered into His ear: "Calm down. I'm here. You're juice is right there." I extended grace and let my son know that everything was alright. Then, he finally saw the juice. It was right there all that time. But, sometimes it takes a "still small voice" to help us open our eyes to see.

Purple Rain (Prince, Morris Day, 1984)

So, I have NOTHING deep or introspective to post. I just have to say, I really like this cheesy movie. It came on VH1 last week. I had to DVR it. Prince is singing, The Beautiful Ones, right now. Love that song! Yeah, I know, Prince is a bit "different." But, he's a brilliant artist with an uncanny knack for turning the oddest phrases into art. Just think about it: Purple Rain, Raspberry Beret, When Doves Cry....I mean honestly, who else could turn those odd concepts into art?

PS. Did you know he wrote, I Would Die 4 U, about Jesus? Ah ha...even Prince recognizes Jesus' sacrifice. That makes Prince all the more cool in my book!