I watched two movies this year that were extremely similar in theme and message. Several of the scenes in both movies were shot inside the homes of working class folks. And both homes were obviously furnished from garage sales.
In Movie One, the living room shots made me think, “Ewwww. I sold that same wreath at a garage sale in the seventies.”
Similar decor in Movie Two, though, made me say, “Ahhhh. They’re making the best of tough times.”
I couldn’t figure out the difference until I talked to someone who knows about the movie-making business. He told me, “It’s all about the filters.” The second movie was big budget, and they shot all those scenes with expensive filters that softened the feel.
Isn’t that a great description of life? We all face some pain and ugliness along the way. Babies die. Daughters get cancer. Marriages get strained, and sometimes the people you love make really, really bad choices.
But, if we are living in Movie Number Two, the grace and mercy of God becomes a filter over even the ugly stuff. His filter makes the hard scenes easier to bear.
It also causes that lovely glow at the end of the movie when the girl gets the guy, the child finds his parents, and Lassie finally comes home.
I’ve been thinking about this lately. “What would I do now if I didn’t have God?” This is so true. He’s the difference.
Wow, I pray people would be able to say of me that grace and mercy was my filter.
The line about the babies and the daughters made me cry. But the filter definitely helps.
Eleanor, yes He is. Thank goodness.
Molly, ditto on the prayer.
Seren, me too and yes it does.