Home Alone (By Jon Perkins)

30 years ago, this past Monday (November 16), one of the greatest movies in the cinematic world hit the theaters…HOME ALONE!
    
Now if you haven’t seen this marvel of a movie, let me explain it quickly. A mischievous 8-year-old, Kevin, gets left home alone when his family travels to Paris for Christmas without him.
    
Of course, there are many hijinks that Kevin gets into and he is able to save the day, the house, and Christmas.
    
In the beginning of the film, Kevin is stoked to realize that he is in fact “home alone” and he takes full advantage. From what he eats and watches to going around town by himself. Of course, as the movie goes along, he becomes more nostalgic about his family and even begins to miss them.
    
When Kevin’s mother, Kate, realizes she left her son at home, she does everything possible to get back to him. She sells jewelry, future tickets, and even takes a ride in the back of a moving truck with a Polka Band to get to Kevin. 
    
I have probably watched this movie hundreds of times. I watched it every day when I stayed home from school. I would watch it every time it came on TV, no matter what time of year, and as much as possible during the Christmas season. In my opinion, it is the best definition of a Christmas movie and should be one of the few movies in the Christmas canon.
    
As I was thinking through this movie this week, one thing finally stuck out to me – the desire to be reunited with the family. 
    
We are living in a unique time period. Our family, church family, is away from each other. It might have started as “just a blip” but it has escalated to a “if this ever ends” discussion. Each family member is working through the hope of doing whatever it takes to be reunited with the family
    
Although we are apart from our complete family, let me challenge and encourage you with an idea we can learn from Paul to bring the family closer together. In the beginning of the majority of Paul’s epistles, he thanks, prays, and encourages others. It is obvious that he has such concern and care for the people God has placed on his heart and mind. He didn’t want the people to feel forgotten although he was away from them. And with that we can find common ground and an activity we can do together. 
    
Who are 3 to 4 people you are longing to see, who you are thankful for, who you want to encourage, or who you are praying for? Find a piece of paper and a writing utensil and compose a letter for them. Let them know you are thankful for them, that you are praying for them, and encourage them. If you don’t trust your handwriting or spelling, give them a call. 
    
I have been encouraged by reminding myself of the hope found in Romans 1:12: That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
    

References for help: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; Ephesians 1:15-23; Philippians 1:3-11; Colossians 1:3-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:3-14; Philemon 1:4-7