Giving Thanks for Reality
Back in June, I blogged about my admiration for The Baxters, an Amazon Prime series based on a novel saga written by New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury.
My wife and I were nearing the end of season 2 then. However, once the reality of a slow-moving story settled in, it took several more months to reach the end of season 3. Instead of watching one or two a week, it became a once or twice a month habit.
While season 4 has been rumored to be afoot, nothing has shown up yet. But in true soap opera fashion, season 3 ended with the perfect lead-in to another series: a leading character’s diagnosis with HIV.
Appreciating Family
Despite my feelings that a little bit of a soap opera goes a long way, I found myself developing a new appreciation for The Baxters as their story came to an end (at least temporarily).
In the final episode, prodigal son character Luke returns from his wayward, self-centered actions that sent him fleeing from everyone in his church and family. Naturally, all is forgiven. Meanwhile, other characters are moving forward with key decisions in their lives as they prepare for the wedding of the Baxter daughter who lost her first husband to violence.
The episode projected the best family has to offer: forgiveness, understanding and acceptance. Qualities that I especially appreciate as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Disappointing Scenarios
As much as I liked the ending of season 3, I also wonder if this and other TV programs and movies set people up for disappointment. Mainly because their lives and triumphs can never match the scenarios unfolding on the screen.
It seems these shows should come with a disclaimer at the beginning: “What you are about to see is not real. Don’t expect similar results at home.”
I realize that writers, producers and actors are filming these stories to inform, inspire and entertain viewers, and hopefully teach a few life lessons.
Yet, we set ourselves up for disappointment when we go about fantasizing what a wonderful life we might have if only we could associate with some of the perfect people portrayed on screen.
Similar problems exist among those who imagine the stories and pictures appearing on their favorite social media outlet are for real. Not.
There are two primary reasons for avoiding such proclivities:
- We shouldn’t compare ourselves against others
Paul said it best in 2 Corinthians 10:12: “For we dare not count or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. They who measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another are not wise” (MEV, emphasis added).
- These scenarios don’t tell the whole story
Real life never matches the fictional images on screens, be those on television, movie theaters, or smartphones. To get caught up in a dreamland and think life would be perfect if only we could live there is foolish.
Loving Imperfect People
Next week, as my wife and I do every Thanksgiving, we will spend the day with family. It’s rarely the same members or extended family every year, since we like to rotate visits and hosting.
But there are two qualities that these exchanges always offer: love and appreciation for each other, despite our respective flaws and shortcomings.
Love is always risky, since it involves the opportunity for hurt and pain even as it brings rewards and fulfillment. Yet the potential for pain is a part of life that will never go away.
On Thanksgiving, we should not let life’s setbacks mar the rewards of loving those imperfect people who bless our lives.
