Life will be better when…
For several decades, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret was banned from libraries because of its candid discussion of boys, bras, puberty, periods, sexual discovery, and sanitary towels.
‘Whoa! I didn’t sign up for a sex ed lesson.’
Don’t worry, I’m not going to give you hush-hush guidance on the birds and the bees.
Believe it or not, I found this film – filled with oh-so-relatable moments from my own teenage years – spoke to my 20-something self. Throughout the story, Margaret and her friends long to transition into adulthood. In a similar way, we convince ourselves life will be better when we reach the next stage – when we get married, secure a promotion, have a baby, or pay off our mortgage.
This article is one in a series (Connecting with Culture) (Issues and Trends) from the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity.
But the film reminds us that, however hard we try, we cannot write our life story because the Lord’s plan will prevail (Proverbs 19:21). Just as Nancy’s spinning bottle game doesn’t lead to a snog with her class crush and the Pre-Teen Sensations’ exercises fail to increase their cup size, SALT isn’t the catch-all solution for finding a spouse, meticulous menstrual calendars won’t necessarily lead to pregnancy, and professional development courses won’t guarantee a promotion at work.
The Lord may choose to bless you with these things, but it will be in his timing. And reaching these milestone moments won’t make your woes vanish. Just before the credits, Margaret’s crying in the bathroom. Her first period’s arrived. It’s the moment she’s been waiting for, praying for, longing for… but it isn’t all it was cracked up to be. There is joy, but it’s painful and messy.
So, instead of spending hours dreaming about what life could be like, focus on the blessings and opportunities in the here and now. Relish late-night chats with your gal pals or bachelor buddies, speaking kindly about others and quashing gossip – you’ll miss these if you end up having children! And, if you’ve got young kids, don’t wish away the nappy days. These are precious moments to show Jesus’ sacrificial love to your children, to point them to the servant king.
Your relationship status, job, and housemates are no coincidence – for this season, it’s where God has placed you. And so, commit to joyfully working with him to see his kingdom come near to these relationships and spaces. It’s for your good and his glory.
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Sophie Sanders
Marketing & Communications Executive, LICC
This article is one in a series (Connecting with Culture) (Issues and Trends) from the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity.
