Happy Wednesday friends! As I shared several months, I am excited to re-share some of the most popular devotional posts that I wrote in 2017-2018 (if you would like to see the complete list you can find it HERE!) and am excited to share this one this week! I hope that this continues to be a beautiful blessing even several years later!
One of the most lovely and fun aspects of When Calls the Heart Season 2 was watching the relationship between Lee and Rosemary begin to grow. The humor and the quick banter between the two of them drew so many #hearties into their story (including myself) and I have loved watching the relationship between them deepen and grow throughout the last several seasons. At the beginning though, this exchange between Lee and Jack in the 2nd episode of Season 2, shows a timeless truth for all of us to consider... the blessing that comes with knowing someone deeply.
When I watched this scene the first time I giggled a bit, along with lots of viewers I am sure, but as I sat down to write this chapter I started to think about the depth of what is conveyed here. Often times when we meet someone new (whether it be a new romantic relationship or a new acquaintance that we hope to have a deeper friendship with) we are interested in all of the details about that person. Our hearts want to know more and more about this new person and we often focus on finding out lots of details and information. Every little conversation holds significance and as Lee said, "we want to figure the person out".
But often times (and I am just as guilty of this as anyone) this desire to really know someone changes. As we get to know someone or they become a regular part of our lives we lose the "allure" of what first drew us and instead get annoyed by the "drudgery" of getting to know another flawed human being.
Instead of being intrigued we grow bored. Instead of putting our phones aside and focusing solely on the person in front of us, we pick up our phones and aimlessly scroll through social media, choosing to not engage with the one in front of us. Instead of asking detailed questions we don't put the energy into those types of conversations. Instead of carefully listening and learning about the person, we assume we know "enough" and don't take the time to truly listen to the answers.
Instead of viewing the person we once wanted to know everything about as a fascinating creature who is unique, we often reject them because we assume we know enough to not put the detailed work into continuing to know them more deeply.
But here is the thing. There is a certain blessing that can only come from knowing someone deeply... the blessing of depth and true relationship that is forged only with time and work. In these types of relationships we learn how to listen. In these types of relationships we learn more about grace. In these types of relationships we learn about what true friendship looks like. In these types of friendships we learn about what love really is.
We learn about another person and in many ways we grow and learn about our selves. It is only in the relationships where we take the time ... which is really a lifetime to really get to know someone deeply. Our investment is never in vain because love... love never dies.
Today, let us dare to reach out and get to know someone deeply. Let us ask the deep questions that take us into murky waters where some may not want to go. Let us forge into the darkness of a person's journey knowing that listening and love can restore a lost voice. Let us venture boldly, knowing that sacrificial love has the power to change the world. And mostly let us hold fast to the hope that there is a unique and special blessing of knowing someone deeply... the blessing of true love.
"Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always 'me first'...
It takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies."
-I Corinthians 13, The Message-
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always 'me first'...
It takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies."
-I Corinthians 13, The Message-
*original post written in July 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I have received several emails asking me about the books by Janette Oke that the series is based on. You may remember that I mentioned in my very first From Hope Valley Devotional post that I had read Janette Oke's series back when I was a teenager. The original book series, "The Canadian West Series" was based on Elizabeth's aunt and her adventures (she also married a Mountie). Here are the listing of the books from that series (there are six) in order:
In the last several years Janette Oke released a new series entitled, "Return to the Canadian West" which you can find listed below in order:
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
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