Reflections on TV

Last night as I was flipping through channels on the TV (which, by the way, it has recently come to my attention that I pronounce this device "TEE-vee," while most and apparently the correct pronunciation is "tee-VEE"), I came across the pilot for "How I Met Your Mother."  I've seen the show a few times here and there, but I would never call myself a fan.  However, how can you resist turning down a pilot episode?  A chance to start watching a series from the very beginning?  I have entirely too much time on my hands to refuse that kind of opportunity. 

So, I watch.  I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the episode.  Basically, Ted (the main character) was ready to get married.  When he met a girl at a bar, they engaged in friendly banter, and she accepted an invitation to go on a date the next night.  After the end of the date, Ted did not kiss her because she didn't "give him the sign."  After recapping with his friends, they encouraged him to go back and make his move.  He did, but after a fair amount of awkwardness, he again, failed to kiss the girl, leaving the audience feeling like there is no chance he would ever see her again.  In a voice-over, Ted confirmed that he did see Robin again, only she ended up becoming his sister-in-law, not his wife.  

In his final monologue, he said, "But it turns out, I was just too close to the puzzle to see the picture that was forming..."


That line is something that I have desperately been needing to hear.  I am the world's worst at picking apart daily occurrences and trying to analyze them into "what they mean" and how they can potentially affect my future.  But, at the end of the day-- I HAVE NO IDEA!  Who knows if the lobbyist I met will become my future employer or just another hand I've shaken?  Who knows if I'll still be single when I'm 30?  Who knows when I'll get my next job?  Who knows even where I'll be living in 5 years?  WHO CARES!  There is a much more holy and divine plan in the works than I could possibly fathom, and I am excited to someday be able to look back and see a glimpse of the picture that was forming and how some of the puzzle pieces fit together.  

I also think it's neat when these reminders come through a secular means.  When I pick up my Bible, I expect to be slapped in the face and reminded that the Lord is almighty, but the same cannot be said about turning on a television show.  I usually just want to escape reality or my own head.  Hearing a line that jerks you into reality and reflection when unexpected is so much more jarring and awakening.  I have no idea what the writers' true intent was behind that line, but it really is a powerful phrase. 


Here's to remembering that as much as I want to be in control, I am not.  Thank goodness for that.

Days in the Life

What have I been up to lately?

Touring the White House Garden and West Wing...

Hiking up the West Virginia hills at a Grace DC retreat with Melissa (we make up 2/3 of the blonde trio)...

Finally getting to show Becca my life in DC...

Winning a few (okay, all except the Championship, but I'm not one to brag) flag football games...



campaigning my heart out for Senator Lincoln, and ultimately job searching and looking for new opportunities...getting to go to a Razorback football game....falling in love with my church, Grace DC, and all of the amazing people that it brings together who have become my best friends... riding in an elevator with Clay Aiken... turning friends in family... going skiing at Wisp in McHenry, MD (although there is, unfortunately, no photographic evidence of this adventure)... going to symphonies and to see "The Nutcracker"... learning what it means to really be living on your own, luckily I get to figure it out with an amazing roommate and friend... going through an emotional roller coaster with a friend through the diagnosis, treatment, and survival of cancer... trying new "hot spots" in DC...and mainly, just enjoying life and whichever curve balls and blessings get thrown my way!