Finding God In "Desperate Housewives"
It’s not usual viewing fare for me, but this evening as I flipped through the TV channels I came across the show Desperate Housewives. Not exactly the most Godly show in the world but tonight I caught a glimpse of what it must be like for God to watch us struggle through the trials and hardships of our lives.
In this particular episode, one of the “housewives” is pregnant and in the hospital. As she sleeps in her hospital bed she dreams about what it would be like to have a son with a disability.
How difficult it would be to raise him.
How painful it would be to watch him struggle.
At one point in the dream her son walks into the kitchen as she is doing the dishes and asks her to make him a sandwich, and for a moment she plans on doing it. But there is something inside of her that knows the value in allowing him struggle through making it on his own. Value in allowing him to limp to the refrigerator with his cane. Value in struggling to open the bag of bread with his crippled hands.
Would it be much simpler for her to make the sandwich for him? Without a doubt.
Does she want to do it for him? Of course, she loves him.
But despite her love and her ability to immediately meet her son’s need, she allows him to struggle. She allows him to get angry.
She allows her own heart to be broken.
At the kitchen sink she stands, hands shaking with the desire to come to the rescue of her child because she loves him.
She loves him.
She allows her son to struggle and make a mess, because she loves him.
It is easy for all of us to view our struggles as an indication that God doesn’t love us. And yet, this desperate housewife so clearly shows how a loving parent at times needs to allow their children to struggle. To make a mess and get angry.
God doesn’t allow me to go through trials because He doesn’t love me. He allows me to go through trials because He needs me to learn and grow.
He loves me so much that He is willing to have His heart broken as He watches me, His child, endure pain and suffering.
I suppose you could say He’s desperate for you and me and is willing to do anything and everything to make sure that we grow into the people He wants us to be.
…Who knew Desperate Housewives had so much spiritual depth?
Posted on January 4th, 2010 by David | 7 Comments »
Great observations David! Interesting how we also become angry when God allows us to learn on our own…but that is where his wisdom and genious become evident.
Great blog buddy.
Greg
Amazing reflection David! Thank you for that. I needed to read this. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too Natalie!
Maybe this will explain some things from your childhood. Sometimes it is easier for a parent to do for you, but is it what is best for you.
I love you,
Dad
Great article David – I love flipping through the channels and finding something really great – with a “life lesson” in it – awesome. ♥
I was fully prepared to give you a hard-time for the Desperate Housewives reference, bud, but then you had to go and post something so insightful. Thanks a lot…
Really great thoughts here, David, and the insights seems particularly timely. Thanks for taking the time to share.
We don’t usually like to equate pain with love, but the truth is, often, love hurts. But thankfully, love also heals. Thanks for this great blog.