From Disappointment to Delight
I have been watching a lot of movies lately, during the COVID-19 stay at home orders. Usually, my husband and I pick a film on alternating nights- his choice, then mine. Last night, he chose, I Still Believe. The story is based on real-life events and is full of inspiration, hope, and faith. Christian songwriter Jeremy Camp and his first wife Melissa’s story, is one of love and loss. Through their struggle with Melissa’s cancer, they hold on to their faith. In the movie, Melissa is fascinated with the stars and the constellations. Knowing that when one star dies or bursts, an explosion takes place, and the shock wave can initiate star formation in other interstellar clouds. This explosion creates an infinite number of other stars, too many to count.
When we look into the starry night and think about the universe and all the stars in it, frankly, we can be overcome with awe. But back here on earth, on our sometimes very lonely road, its hard to see things at work, stars that is. Especially during our current pandemic situation. The world is frankly…in a world of hurt. Many are sick. Many have died. Many have lost jobs and have financial worries. Families have lost loved ones and couldn’t be near them during their last hours on earth. It is all heartbreaking.
I could feel this in Jeremy and Melissa’s story. The heartbreak. The dismay, disappointment, and despair. But, even though their situation did not turn out as they had hoped, their faith remained.
What are we to do with our disappointment? The COVID-19 situation has left many people thinking, what is my future? What is God doing in this season of unknowing? Could God be forming new stars within us, within our hearts?
Being confined to our own homes has somehow sent a spotlight onto things that could change. Like spending more time listening to each other or doing something simple like cooking or playing a game with our kids. For now, how can we be a star that shines bright in someone else’s world? Is it a simple phone call or video call to check on a loved one or friend to offer encouragement or a laugh?
We need light in our sometimes very dark world. Starlight. There is a whole constellation out there of blessing and healing, just by being there for each other. That creates power and bursts of light in dark situations. Through our simple sacrifice of time and love, we add to someone else’s constellation. That’s starlight, and it only takes one star. You!
Blessings!
Philippians 2: 15b-16 Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
