Jani and I watched “Father of the Bride, Part II” the other evening. The film becomes intentional at those moments when the people start connecting with one another. Not just floating past each other but that special something we all feel when we break through the surface and really touch each other. George connects with Nina, with Annie, with Bryan, with Franck.
A movie like this works, because even watching actors role-play connection resonates with us. We have been disappointed. Promises have been broken. Trusts have been betrayed. Friends have walked away. It’s why The Animals (with a great bass riff) begged like this:
When you complain and criticize
I feel I’m nothing in your eyes
It makes me feel like giving up
Because my best just ain’t good enough
Girl, I want to provide for you
And do all the things you want me to
But Oh, Oh no, don’t bring me down
I’m beggin’ you darling
Oh, Oh no, don’t bring me down
Sacrifices I will make
I’m ready to give as well as take
One thing I need is your respect
One thing I can’t take is your neglect
Girl, I want your tender love
Then troubles are easy to rise above
The church is God’s alternative to this world of put-downs. Every Sunday we can walk into church with this thought: “The Lord is not bringing me here today to bring anyone down or even pass them by in a smiling but unthinking way. Before I walk out the door, I am going to look deeply into the eyes of at least one other person and, at that moment of grace, give my heart away. God forbid that I would be politely neutral. God grant that this will become relationally intense.”
“Being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8.
