Sneak Preview

Sneak Preview

I entered an online competition to win free tickets, to see an advance screening of a new movie.  I did it on a whim, and guess what ... I won!  Even though it was a kid's movie, it was about a favorite topic in our house.  Being that it was 5am on the morning I found out, I had to jump quietly and whisper "yes!", but I literally jumped up and down in excitement!  I could not wait to share the news with the family.

When I found out the details, I became more excited, because it was on a NON-Chemotherapy week, and knew my husband would be able to participate.  I knew then, that we would be able to go for sure.  I saw it as an opportunity for a unique and fun, memory-making, family outing.

There were a few things to consider though.   Even though we won the tickets, we had to get there early.  The theater tends to give out more tickets than the seats they have in their promotions, so it is first come, first serve.  And, we would have to wait outside in line (in winter).

So, we bundled up, drove an hour, got there with plenty of time, and waited "only" 40 minutes outside.  My brave husband covered his skin as much as possible, and I debated swarming him with gathered strangers, to keep him warm.  Thankfully, the lobby doors eventually opened a half hour before the show, and we could get inside to the warmth.  We chose seats midway up, put on our 3D glasses, and munched on popcorn.  Every seat was filled and it was a unique experience (for us) to enjoy a movie, including with no previews.  We fed off the laughter of both kids and adults.  Somehow being together as a large viewing audience made it even more fun.

In this movie an ordinary man is the hero...  a man that does not have the skills of other more advanced characters.  Just a man in an ordinary job, with no close friends, living alone, doing the same thing day after day (and he is okay with that).  This ordinary man comes to an unexpected path and then not only his life changes, but he changes the perspectives of others' as well.  The theme of the movie is that everyone is special, has their own viewpoint, and can contribute to life and society.  And, that even if you feel like you are not unique, deep down we each have something to share with others, a special gift, a special purpose.

Jesus looked like man, but He was definitely not ordinary.  He came to share with us God, perform miracles, spread hope and love, and that we are also unique and blessed people.  Jesus' disciples may have seemed like ordinary men as well, but they also shared their gifts and had a purpose.  

God does not need a sneak preview to know what we will see unfold in our lives.  He created each of us as unique individuals with gifts to share, gifts that will be shared even when the journey is tough.  Now that is something to jump up and down in excitement about!  Do not wait to share the Good News!

Reflection Verses:

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  Acts 4:13 NIV