by Cheryl AF Okimoto
Yesterday afternoon, my daughter and I went to see Miss Congeniality 2. The movie was pretty good, in spite of a few minor sexual references, but it got me to thinking about relationships.
I know I was happy to see Gracie Hart’s boss, Miss USA (Cheryl), and Stan Fielding, the pageant MC. (Okay, so I don’t remember all names really well. But I don’t forget faces!) It was kind of like seeing acquaintances that I’d missed. In the case of Stan, it was in an irritating kind of way, but I’d missed him nevertheless.
And that got me thinking about why we like sequels. It isn’t because they’re good movies. In fact they rarely live up to the first movie. But we go and see five Rocky movies because we love Rocky, Adrienne and Paulie.
And books too! We didn’t read all twelve of the Left Behind novels because they were great literature. We read them because we developed a relationship with Rayford, Buck, and Mac. When Dee Henderson told Stephen’s story in the O’Malley series, her fans tried to figure out how she could bring us more stories of the family we loved so well.
We check out the “B” section in our favorite Christian bookstore to see if Terri Blackstock has put out another Newpointe 911 or Cape Refuge book. (Book four of the latter came out last month. You won’t believe what happens to Cade this time!)
Time and space prevent listing all the relationships that I have developed through the entertainment industry. From the Chronicles of Narnia when I was in Junior High School to my latest find, the Yada Yada Sisterhood, I love series. Why?
Image of God!
We were created in God’s image. Created because He desired relationship. Created to have relationship with our creator and each other. We need relationship like we need air, food, and water. And we will get it, real or imaginary.
How many of you went out to see Meet the Fockers within a week of its release? Can you remember the last time you called your parents?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking entertainment relationships. As long as their format isn’t junk, (g., sex, violence, and foul language) and as long as we keep them in proper perspective, they can give us a quick “fix.” But they can’t fulfill the true need. Only relationship with God and healthy relationships with the people He has brought into our lives will bring us true contentment.
So, when you hear that The Pacifier 2 is coming out and you get all excited, let it remind you that you haven’t called your mom in ages. When you see that Lost has been renewed for another season, think about how much your Grands would love to get a letter from you (maybe with some pictures). When Neta Jackson comes out with another Yada Yada Sisterhood book, ask yourself how your sisterhood is.
Enjoy the relationships that the entertainment industry brings you, but let them remind you to live your own!
Call some friends, invite them to tea. Have a bar-b-que in your back yard. Share a good book with your daughter. Take your wife on a date. (Go see Miss Congeniality 2!) Spend some time with your kids. Take a few minutes here and there throughout the day to chat with God.
The real relationships are those that go into eternity with you. Steward them well.
Copyright 2005 Cheryl AF Okimoto
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