Life, Lyrics, and Love

If you've ever seen Hope Floats, which happens to be my all-time favorite movie, the expression, "I just don't want to be known as Bernice Matisse," means something to you.   

I've always loved the actress that plays Bernice, who is about eight or nine in the film.  If you've never seen it, the scene where she's sobbing for her father will undoubtedly bring you to tears!  It's just a good old-fashioned tear jerker.

But toward the end of the movie, Sandra Bullock, who's name in the film is Birdie, reflects on her mom's words and tells Bernice, "Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome.  That's what momma always says.  She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most.  Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning.  Just give hope a chance to float up.  And it will, too..."

The first time I watched Hope Floats was with my grandma, which contributes to it being my favorite.  Boy, do I miss her.

But, I promise, I have a point to make.

Last night, the message in church was about feeling misplaced.  And, though it was meant for our beautiful youth students who have entered this awkwardly interesting stage of life, I found myself soaking up every word.  Every time the speaker and I made eye contact, my soul screamed, "Hey, this is for me! Tell me what to do.  How do I get where I'm going?"

Ever had those days?

My husband and I ventured on a new beginning almost six months ago.  Can I sidetrack for just a minute--please?

I've found that when you're 10 years old, you just want to be a teenager.  Then, you daydream about being 16 and independent.  Then, it's 18 and moving off to college.  Then, it's getting married, having a career, and starting a family.

I guess new beginnings and human longings never end.  Oh, that the Lord would help me to not say things because I am in need, but help me to learn to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:11). 

We are closing in on six months of marriage.  I am stuck in the middle with my husband--a little lyric humor for anyone?

Yet, if we can just give hope a chance, we will find that the ending will not be sad, but beautifully orchestrated by the Maker. 

Beginnings can be exciting, unknown, intimidating, or scary.  The middle can seem stagnant, unmoving, filled with tough lessons, misplaced.  But, God knows the plans he has for each of us.  Plans to prosper us and not to harm us.  Plans to give us a hope and a future.  I'd say that's a pretty good ending.