I love a good movie. So far this holiday season
I've watched two; Frozen 2 and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Frozen
2
is a fictional story about two sisters who want to save their kingdom. As Elsa
seeks to solve the problem in the movie (no spoilers here) she's encouraged to listen
for nature's voice in order to do the right thing.
Lloyd Vogel, a journalist, struggles in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with
angst against his father. Mister Rogers, a children's show star and minister, shares
love and encouragement with Lloyd. In his own fashion, Mister Rogers teaches
Lloyd about listening for truth and making the right choice. If you know Mister
Rogers' story at all, you know he was a kind man who loved people and encouraged
children to recognize and understand their feelings. He also loved God, prayed
and read the Bible.
As I watched both movies, I couldn't help but find
parallels with some biblical truths. Living life as followers of Jesus, we
strive to pay attention to the Spirit's lead and share Jesus' love and kindness
with the world. We're called to hear, not nature's spirit but, the Holy Spirit.
He carries our prayers to God, connects us to Jesus, and gives us encouragement
and advice. By listening to the Spirit, we can make a prayerful, spiritually informed
decision to do the right thing. By loving people in the kind, gentle way of Mr.
Rogers, we show the world the love and grace of Jesus. Both movies reminded me
of God's truth, to love Him and love people.
As you go along this holiday season and interact with others, seek the Spirit's guidance and pour God's love over the folks who cross your path.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9