that's a wrap!

We've all heard it, usually in the movies, or in the making of them, "That's a wrap!" Even after dozens of re-takes, at some point, the director decides that he's ready to move on. That's a wrap.

As far as I'm concerned, that phrase did not originate in Hollywood. I think Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer may, without realizing it, have been influenced from heaven itself.  That's most likely where the idea emerged.

Just for a few moments, let's think outside-the-box.  Perhaps one day, we'll understand it better, but for the time being, this is my story and I'm sticking to it!

Picture this: God has created the universe, and in it He has placed one magnificent show-piece, earth. The gem of all creation? Maybe...

He creates all manner of animal and plant life, and indeed, He is pleased, and even though His creation adores Him, He still yearns for something more---someone to talk to, someone to actually enjoy all that He has made.  In a stroke of creative genius, He makes one more thing, a man.  This man, Adam, was a wonderful companion, but God loved Him so much that He understood that the man needed additional companionship on his earth. (Can you imagine?! More companionship than with God Himself?!) He even said, "it's not good for man to be alone," so He created woman, man's companion.  But, He also added a final act of love...free-will. They would be able to decide for themselves whether or not they would honor and return God's great love.  Sadly, we know the rest of the story...our original ancestors failed miserably in making good choices, and for thousands of years, God tried to remember free-will.  But, He never stopped yearning for man to embrace Him completely, surrendering everything back to Him, as the ultimate act of love. (as parents, though on a very limited level, we actually understand "letting go")  At some point, He knew it was as good as it was going to be...so He called it, "that's a wrap."

Then, He sent the law to guide and govern our choices. Mankind became expert at picking and choosing which laws to obey, and which to ignore as mere suggestions.  Enough of this...that's a wrap!

Then, He sent the prophets. Maybe they'll listen to another human, He thought.  But, we were fairly well acquainted with rebellion by then, so we didn't pay any attention to them either.  That's a wrap!

In one final attempt to recapture our hearts and lives, He came Himself.  He came the same way that we come into the world...a baby.  He grew up the same way we do, one year at a time.  He honored His parents and did all He was expected to do.  He must have been thinking, "What's so hard about this?"  "Why can't they just love and obey me?"  Historically, by this time, the poor tired world was so friendly with sin that there simply was no sacrifice that could appease a  righteous God.  So, God himself, Who had become "flesh and dwelt among us," offered up Himself as the supreme sacrifice.  That's a wrap! 

I know I'm "preaching to the choir," as they say, but I wonder if you realize the weight of that magnificent act of love.  Did you know, that at the end of each long day, you can call it...you're the director...that's a wrap.  We will not go over that scene again...that's a wrap.  Take everything as it comes, the good and the bad, and determine quickly what needs to be reworked.  That includes the good things as they come along---don't try to ride on just one, create new opportunities every day.  Get to the end of the scene, no matter what it is, and call it done...that's a wrap!

Let your faith soar to heaven's gates a hundred times a day...see the Father's smiling face...feel His warm embrace...talk with Him, walk with Him...that's all He ever really wanted.  That's a wrap!