Have you ever wished life were a Hallmark movie? You know the kind where conflict gets eclipsed by perfectly styled hair and sorrow quickly fades by the knowledge that everything will work out just fine in the end? It’s so predictable, so controllable. And, to be honest, I’d like a little more of that in my life.

But real life isn’t a Hallmark movie.

It’s hectic and chaotic. It’s confusing and downright hard. So many things we can’t control. Rarely can we wrap even one day in a neat little bow. But I take comfort in knowing Jesus’ life was no Hallmark movie either. In fact, His days were full of chaos and crowds as He taught and fulfilled His purpose and ministry. His days were monotonous too as He tediously travelled with His disciples by foot through the hot, rock-strewn desert to get from one village to the next.

Jesus knew loneliness. He knew exhaustion. He knew heartbreak, frustration, interruption, disagreement, discouragement, betrayal. And, most of all, unhappy endings. And that is why I love Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

With confidence, we can come to Jesus. He knows what this life is like. He knows what our days bring and what our nights carry. And through it all, He offers mercy and grace for everything we are going through. All we have to do is come. To draw near just as we are and embrace all that He is.

*First published by The Joyful Life Magazine.