For as long as I can remember (probably started sometime during high school) I have been fascinated- or perhaps a stronger word is needed-obsessed with the Hallmark Channel. For many, Hallmark is the stereotypical definition of what it means to embrace whimsy, whimsy in love and whimsy in season. Which ironically, creates a sense of hatred. "You watch THAT?" I've been scoffed at many times by old and young alike. To which I always reply, "I've always had an old soul." And with a smile, I usually continue on my way. 

I've contemplated many times whether or not The Hallmark Channel has in fact been damaging to my perception of whimsy. However, unlike many who are snap chatting and texting and uploading photos (filtered and unfiltered) to Instagram-I just enjoy a moment with The Hallmark Channel (usually only on Friday nights.) To me, it's so much better than social media and with a warm message to boot.

I don't think it is damaging. In fact, it brings me back into reality, away from work for a little bit or a worry or extra uneeded thought. And I think part of the reason why many dislike these stories is because they claim they are "too predictable" with "the same plot" and "similar character dynamics." Maybe predictability isn't so awful, though. Although, it does fall alongside a lengthy list of other poor qualities claimed by many. 

1. Similar Themes

2. Only a few struggles

3. Everything always works out

4. Boring

5." I know exactly how this one will end "

6. A filtered version what "real life" is like

7. Poor Acting

I think, there are a lot of people with a lot of hurt in this world. Too busy trying to find the correct filter for THAT photo to upload onto social media. Or, too busy worrying about what others think or how others view them. Through the struggle to prove oneself, I think people lose sight of friends and family and faith. I used to think I enjoying viewing Hallmark because there were only happy endings. Though-I don't think that is the case. I think faith is the ingredient that those with a negative perspective are missing.  People are scared of having faith and therefore of watching faith unfolding-which is exactly what I feel when I watch Hallmark. 

Faith that everything will work out. Faith that life is full of similar and cyclical themes that sometimes we miss because we are too busy looking elsewhere. Faith that boring can be amusing and boring can sometimes be whimsical. Faith that sometimes we are where we are supposed to be. Coincidences do happen you know. Faith that people can be kind and loving and follow the correct path-this isn't just poor acting. Believe in humanity. It is these people we often ignore or never see. Embrace the poor actors and actresses. For we are called as His people to build relationships in the most tender of ways. Faith that comes across as "happy endings" because happy endings can happen and they do. If you have Faith. I have Faith that it's okay to watch love unfold and happiness and the crossing paths of unlike people. Because I have Faith that real life isn't always like this, but there are moments in which it is. Faith creates Heaven on Earth.

And that is what I hold onto each and everyday. Through the good and terrible and confusing and awful, Faith is the Hallmark of Whimsy.