Reason #742

Aaron and I are watching all of the seasons of a show called ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ By no means does this show promote Godly morals, but it’s a funny show. We’re powering through each season, and anticipating who this mother is and how she was met. We fully realize that this is simply a show, not a guide on how to live your life much less is it realistic or wise. And so we roll our eyes at some of the characters and their choices, and we cheer for the others. Even though this is made up and not the least bit factual, I can't help but relate to the characters every now and then.

 

During one episode, one of the characters decides she wants to set her friend up on a date. She went on and on about how perfect she thought this guy was, and when she finished her friend said, “What’s the but?” Because she knew she was withholding information to convince her to meet this guy. For example, he’s really sweet and caring… but, he has a million cats. You get the idea. Tell the good first, and then follow it up with the not so good.

 

Here's the thing, I've been a "but girl." She's (nice word), but she is (judgmental word). I had never thought this about myself until a few years ago, and I remember the fear I had when I thought of dating again. I would go on a date, hopefully convince some guy that I was worth his time, and then I'd have to throw in the 'but.' I'd have to admit all the bad and shameful things that might drive someone away if no one else beat me to it.

 

We're all 'but' people if you think about. I mean really, how many times do we describe someone and then make sure to point out the negative? Maybe we like to think of it as a disclaimer, but deep down, we have different intentions. Maybe we're jealous, or maybe we're testing the waters. Maybe we're looking for approval from others, or maybe we're simply just joining in on the spread of gossip. After all, destructive words are exactly that. Meant to tear down, to turn away. And that's the purpose of 'but', isn't it? A little reminder that we're all flawed.

 

But what if we looked at people and we just saw them as that, people? What if we let the 'but' out of the whole equation and we saw the good in them. Because no one is perfect, and we all have that "something." But what if we looked at each other the way the Lord looked at us? Accepting, loving, kind, and encouraging? What if we spoke truth about one another rather than opinionated lies? What if we looked past the mistakes and the mess ups and realized that forward progress and a renewed heart are really what's most important?

 

I'm grateful that when God looks at us, He doesn't see the 'but.' I am grateful that He simply sees us. His children, cherished, valued, loved and accepted. No 'but's' about it, He sees us for who we are and for what we're becoming.

 

#742 - Because He loves us, no 'but's' about it.

 

"How precious is your unfailing love, O God. All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings." - Psalm 36:7