Netflix and Chill (It’s Not What You Think…)
“It’s kind of hard to sling mud and keep your own hands clean.” ~Jack Bartlett, Heartland
I’ll admit I have a hard time slowing down. I try to take time during the day to slow my roll and rest, but something will catch my eye that needs my attention, and all the best laid soul care intentions go out the window. I wouldn’t say I’m OCD, but I might have tendencies. I make deals with myself. If I get this done, then I can rest. Honestly, it’s not the healthiest approach because there’s always something to get done. I’m a firm believer that everyone needs a reset at some point in the day. Whether it’s a short nap, a tall glass of ice tea, a few chapters of a book, or watching a new favorite show you just discovered on Netflix; it’s important to allow space in your day.
I recently discovered two shows on Netflix that I absolutely love. Everwood and Heartland. This whole thing of binge watching older shows is revolutionary. I can watch them whenever, and pretty much from wherever, on any given device, and I don’t have to wait a week between episodes. It’s a beautiful experience.
Heartland is a fictitious horse ranch set in the Alberta foothills of Canada. I do wish I would have discovered this show years ago when it first aired because I’m pretty sure we would now be ex-pats in Canada operating our own ranch. What I love about this show is the character of Jack Bartlett, played by Shaun Johnston. Jack is the grandpa/guardian to two grown granddaughters. He’s an aging cowboy, and young at heart. But seriously, he has the kind of energy, wisdom, spunk, and tender heart I want to have when I’m that age. I’m convinced that everyone needs a Jack in their life.
And then there’s Everwood. Everwood is a fictitious small town set in the mountains of Colorado, but not to be confused with Evergreen, Colorado, though there are many similarities between the two. The show ran for four seasons from 2002-2006, debuting such actors as Treat Williams, Chris Pratt, and Emily VanCamp, to name a few. Now if I had watched this show when it originally aired, I know that I know I wouldn’t have continued. My girls were babies back then, and this show is all about teenagers and the parents who raise them. Good grief, I would have been scared out of my mind thinking about the parenting road that lay ahead of me. But watching it now, oh my goodness, these Everwood parents killed it. They are my heroes.
Since discovering these television gems, I feel my life has purpose now. I’m kidding. I’m not that shallow. But I will say I’ve learned a better rhythm to life by inviting some space and margin into my day. Not to get all churchy on you, but I believe the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, teaches about a rhythm to life. From the Creation account in Genesis, to the life of Jesus, and many teachings of how to live life this side of heaven, there is an underlying rhythm that involved rest.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
I encourage you to check your rhythm. If you’re not making space in your day, start incorporating a reset time. It may not look like a Netflix series for you, but try something that gets you out of your own headspace. You just might be surprised by what you see, what you learn, and maybe gain a fresh perspective you can apply to your life going forward.
“When life doesn’t turn out how you pictured, the most important thing is that when you look at the picture, you are smiling. The background, who you’re standing next to, doesn’t matter so much. It’s if you’re smiling. That’s how it’s meant to turn out.” ~Edna Harper, Everwood
I love you, Jack and Edna. Thanks for joining me in my reset moments, and for teaching me a thing or two about life.
