Yesterday I was watching a movie on Hallmark. The movie title is one I have seen before – but with a different description. I enjoyed the 2019 version of “Christmas Town” starring Candace Cameron Bure (here).
The movie starts out with the focus on a man and his little girl. He is struggling with some health issues. The tree has been put up and decorated and he somehow loses his balance causing the angel to fall and breaks off a wing. He promises that he will send it off to have it fixed. If he had just used a form of Elmer’s or Gorilla glue, we might not have the story that takes place roughly twenty years later.
Lauren has recently accepted a teaching position in Springfield, Mass. and is anxious to leave behind her life in Boston. We learn that she has a boyfriend and a promised relationship, but her wants and his wants are not the same. She is frustrated that she hasn’t been able to contact him to let him know that she is leaving and is a bit put-off to find him home ready to pick up where they left off. She lets him know that maybe they really aren’t meant to be.
She takes the train toward Springfield. As the train nears a small “tourist trap type” town full of the Christmas spirit, they make an unscheduled shop as either the weather has failed them or the train is need of repair or something . . . they stop and all the passengers are required to get off and find some means of lodging.
The scenario reminded me of how many of us have chosen a destination and create a path for ourselves on how to fulfill our goals. There are many of us who may ride a metaphorical train that makes an unscheduled stop that may throw our entire plan off course. We don’t know why, but something prevents us from arriving to the destination that we thought we wanted in order to fulfill something greater – although we may not see it that way in the beginning.
I have grandnephews and a grandniece that I’ve never met. Lucas is the oldest and was born a few months before my second and third granddaughter. Each of them will be turning five this year. Holy Cow! Lucas has a younger brother. The two of them are inseparable. Each of them has had a hard time sleeping without the other in the same room.
Lucas has cancer. He’s been in and out of the hospital in order to get the treatments that he needs. His mom and dad have become writers of a blog (here) though even if writing had been a part of their plans, they most likely would not have chosen gaining strength in a collided “two worlds, one family” quoting Phil Collins December 31 because that is how it felt. One parent with Lucas in the hospital while the other stayed at the house with the two-year old – who at first was allowed to visit his brother but banned after flu season – though not completely. Just at the hospital.
Lucas came home for Christmas before going into the hospital again for what hopefully will be his final treatment. I think the cancer probably made a lot of people stronger – though I don’t associate with them as they are in Minnesota and we are in Oregon and I don’t even see my brother who is the grandfather of these two boys and currently resides in Utah.
The train not only stopped for their family but several others as well. And each has had his or her free agency on how to react to what wasn’t a part of their plan. From what I’ve read, they seem to be enduring greatly and yes, at times mom and dad have been emotional boobs. But who can blame them for that. All the while they have tried to remain strong for Lucas. It turned out that Lucas was the strongest one of all.
That’s only one example of a stopped train. Not all lives experiences end being wrapped up as neatly as the Hallmark movies and certainly not in such a small amount of time. Trials are not easy. Some callings are not easy – especially when the person called really isn’t comfortable about having the calling. Again, we have our free agency. We don’t have to accept the callings. But it is an opportunity to grow if we will accept the challenge.
I am reminded of a sister in the ward I currently attend. She has had the calling of a Relief Society instructor. She taught lessons once a month and always made it known that she was not comfortable in her position. Never vocalize your thoughts in front of a congregation. She is now the adult Sunday School teacher and now gets the opportunity of teaching not just once, but twice a month.
I am reminded of a poem written by Carolyn Pearson (here) in which she talks about auditioning for a play and not getting the desired role, but the coveted role actually goes to one that she doesn’t consider worthy to play the part. A transition is made for the girl who lands the part and it makes the author realize that we all have potential if given the opportunity.
I hope that when I find myself on a path that I don’t particular think fits in my plans, I will focus on Him who knows better than I and I may express more gratitude for where I am.
