I loved Norman and Rita and Oliver and Shane, but I also loved the simplicity and purity of the series. It’s something severely lacking in television and movies today, so it was very appreciated. And then, I found the blog through Twitter, read the Living Letters, and started thinking about how the series held messages for my own life.
As often happens with the Holy Spirit, a small scene from From the Heart popped into my mind. I never thought it would come through a minor character, but the Lord works in mysterious ways. When Norman’s cousin, Serge, takes the vow of silence and gives Norman the box of old valentines, he brings out his index cards rather shyly and says “I didn’t have a card for that.” The Lord whispered in my ear: “Bingo. That’s the one, kiddo.” |
I was not prepared for the job market. In other words, I didn’t have a card for what awaited me. And I felt lost a while, I even fell back on what I had always been most comfortable doing…writing…while I looked for a new job. I had left a stable job (though the job was going through flux at the time) in faith to pursue my Master’s. Then upon coming home and not being able to make my Masters into a full-time career, I had to accept work that was far below my education level to make ends meet. And I didn’t have a card for that, and now it’s been three years, and I wonder when this valley will end.
The Bible says that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). And all I can do is share my valley experience and hope that someone else is touched by it, in the hopes that we might help each other through it together. I know I’m not the only one going through life without a card, since there are so many societal pressures to be at a certain point in one’s life by a certain age. And it’s painful and lonely when you follow God and your life doesn’t turn out the way you had hoped, and you become heartsick (Proverbs 13:12). |
Love,
Lisa
As always, the Living Letters series continues as long as there are stories to share, and I'm always looking for submissions. If you would like to contribute something about how Signed, Sealed, Delivered has impacted your life that you'd be willing to share here on A&D, feel free to email me.