Have you ever felt like your life was a Hallmark movie? One with moments marked by pure joy. One where the plot includes the lead returning to their small hometown and setting a goal to achieve. The lead strives to fix that problem or reach that goal, all while reminiscing on their life before they left. Within the last 20 minutes, a conflict arises and worry sets in. But all is well and everything makes sense by the last 5 minutes. The sun fades, the credits roll, and they all live happily ever after.
At the peak of springtime, I blissfully strolled through a plant sale. As I admired the colorful array of flowers, succulents, and herbs, a local newspaper photographer asked if they could take my picture. I talked to the reporter about how I was buying flowers to give as a gift to family. I mentioned how I returned home for my job, and how I enjoy being around town more often. I purchased some lilies and headed on my way.
I didn’t realize my picture would be front and center that week.
While I reflected on the experience, I laughed with a friend about how my life felt like the plot of a Hallmark movie. The ironic part is they released a movie with a very similar plot less than a month prior. (If you’re interested, it’s called A Picture of Her.)
Somehow, those happy, predictable stories have had a place in my spring seasons for the past several years
In 2021, a local day trip turned into a spontaneous set visit. The crew was setting up to film a summer movie. Although I didn’t meet anyone famous, I did get pictures at a sandwich store transformed into a fictional café.
My belief, at the time, was that the romantic relationship I had was “like a Hallmark movie plot.” And then we ended up on the set of one.
In 2022, I published a post admitting that I had it all wrong. We shouldn’t be chasing things or places to find fulfillment. Much like the typical Hallmark movie, our contentment is found in returning home and knowing who we are.
It’s not about the right romance. It’s not about carefree circumstances. True contentment is found in having a personal relationship with Christ. It can only be found in Him.
This year, 2023, I took that message a step further. I lived it out. It began with my unexpected return home for work. And even with the countless other changes this year, I was surrounded by quality community. People who knew my character and spoke into my strengths.
Where I had the picture from the Hallmark movie set, I now have a snapshot of me living out my own plot. I don’t need to forge my way into a storyline not meant for me. The one I have is good enough – it’s perfect for me, even if it’s not perfect as a whole. The path God paved for me, and me alone, has brought me the most fulfillment. I’m content simply by knowing my identity in Christ and using my gifts for His glory.
Paul describes contentment in Philippians 4:10-13 (as I’ve written before). The secret to lasting contentment – not just fleeting happiness – is being able to do all things through Christ. He will strengthen you. He will comfort you. He will be all that you need.
"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)
Life should never be about looking to another storyline to validate our worth. It’s never about forcing our circumstances into a cookie-cutter plot line. Our lives reflect the plans, path, and hope God has for each of us, individually. We have joy in following the unique plan God has for each of us. We can thrive in places He has planted us.
Consider the Joy 
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