The Love Letter: Refusing to Settle
Have you
ever yearned for more in life than what others desire or expect for you? You
don’t want to be alone, but you don’t want to settle for less either.
In this
movie a woman in the 19th century corresponds with a man in the 20th
century through a hidden compartment in their ‘shared’ desk. Neither wants to
marry the one they’re supposed to, but feel doomed to follow through. Then they
find each other.
God understands
this yearning for more than the status quo. He calls us to a higher, deeper,
grander love than anything we can imagine in this life. “I
looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him…I will search for the one my
heart loves” (Song of Songs 3:1-2). He makes a way for us to find Him—across space
and time, even into eternity.
The Notebook: Rekindling Lost Love
Why would an
old man visit another resident in his nursing home just to read her the same
story day after day? She has Alzheimer’s and seldom remembers much of what he’s
read. He does this because she’s his wife, and he is reading their love story.
It’s the most thrilling thing in his life, and hers, when she remembers. So he
persists, for the occasional moment when she remembers she loves him too.
God also tells us
the same story every day—through His words in the Bible, through songs,
through people, through the breathtaking beauty of nature. And every day He
hopes we will remember the love story that has changed our life, “I remember the devotion of your youth,
how as a bride you loved me and
followed me through the wilderness” (Jer. 2:2). He hopes we will love Him back with
equal abandon.
P.S. I Love You: Moving Forward
Death can be
paralyzing—whether it’s the death of a loved one, a dream, a job, or something
else we hold dear. When Holly’s husband dies she can’t seem to get past the
grief. Knowing how she would struggle, Gerry prepared a series of notes to be
delivered to her after his death. At first she’s freaked out, and so are her
mom and friends, but Gerry knew his love would give her confidence to let go
and live again.
Jesus did
this for His followers too. After His resurrection He sent the Holy Spirit, to give
them direction and confidence to move forward. “I will not
leave you as orphans; I will come to you… the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace
I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:18, 26-27).
This same Spirit is the One who comforts us when we are immobilized by
death. The Spirit reminds us of Jesus’ love for us in the past, and the future life
in heaven for those who love Him. In the meantime, He gives us energy to live
now, to love now—to take the next step, knowing He is with us always.
Message in a Bottle: Falling in Love
with the Lover
Do you remember
when you were a kid and everyone took an envelope of cards to school for a
flurry of exchange on Valentine’s Day? Did you ever get someone else’s
Valentine by mistake? At first, there’s this thrilling moment, when you believe
the boy/girl you think is cute has noticed you too…then you realize it’s not addressed
to you, but someone else.
In this
movie, a woman finds a bottle on the beach. Inside is a love letter from a
grief-stricken widower to his wife. This is obviously a man who’s able to love deeply,
completely, and relentlessly. The woman just has to meet him; see if he is real.
When she does she falls in love, and the attraction is mutual. However, he can’t
bring himself to release the past to embrace a new love, and the movie ends
tragically.
Thankfully,
this is not the way God treats us. He fully intends
for us to find His message of love. When we do, it’s not addressed to someone
else, but to us—personally. “I have called you by name; you
are mine” (Isa. 43:1, Living Bible). He pours out His love—unfailing,
unconditional, tender, and compassionate. When we love Him too we find we’re
home at last.
Do you love Him?
#perfectlove
#Godslove #valentines #Godinmovies #unconditionallove #justsayyes
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