In yesterday’s meditation, I mentioned that as I worked on Sunday afternoon, I watched old “classic” television shows. Andy Griffith was one. The Mary Tyler Moore Show was another. I admit to not being a fan of the MTM Show when it came out, probably because I was too young to “get” it. I became mildly fascinated when I attended the University of Minnesota Law School (because of its setting in downtown Minneapolis).
In any event, as I think about the show, Mary Richards didn’t change the television station where she worked by being loud or outrageous. She changed it by being capable.
She showed up to work. She learned. She made mistakes, apologized, and tried again. She was kind without being timid and confident without being cruel. Given the time in which it was set, she showed that a professional woman could succeed. And she did it with “spunk.”
Even though the show wasn’t religious or “theological” in any way, perhaps there are quiet lessons for us that we can align with our faith. Dignity and joy can coexist. Calling doesn’t require perfection. Strength often comes from simply remaining focused on our goals, even when life is throwing curveballs.
Mary Richards wasn’t a superhero. She was part of an eccentric team … who somehow came together and made it work. Isn’t that a wonderful description of the church! We work together, pray together, laugh together, and cry together with trust that our tomorrows don’t need to be conquered … they need to be met. Our faith reminds us that God will do the conquering.
Mary’s story wasn’t about having it all figured out. It was about becoming. About discovering that joy can grow right in the middle of ordinary work, complicated relationships, and unmet expectations.
In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul reminds us that joy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This joy transcends trials and is rooted in confidence in God’s presence, love, and promises. True joy, greater than any television show, isn’t produced by human effort but comes from having a deep, lasting relationship with Jesus.
Love is all around, the theme song promised. Grace is, too. And both are often found hiding in the routines of our everyday lives that we hardly notice.
If you wonder where life is leading or what your future might be, hold onto the God who loves you and promises, “You’re gonna make it after all.”
Prayer: God, as the One who created me and who delights in who I am and who I am becoming, free me from the need to prove myself. Ground me in the joy of being who you’ve made me to be.
May my ordinary work reflect your quiet, faithful grace. Amen.
