Remember, for 50 years, the true fall classic? I wondered how many times this happened over the years and, of course, found it all on Wikipedia. Peanuts characters Charlie Brown and Lucy would have a unique philosophical reflection and hope that he would kick the football one day. Even though he had been burned repeatedly, he would try again with Lucy, saying why she did what she did.
Looking back at the history of the routine, it all started due to Charlie Brown making fun of Lucy and her inability to forgive or forget what Charlie Brown said:
Charlie Brown: Little girls don’t belong on football fields! Go home!
Lucy: I don’t understand … I was the star fullback in nursery school …
Charlie Brown: Well, don’t stand around here! GO ON HOME!! Get out of here!
What started with her as malice later became creative, sly, loving comments that were wistful, inspirational, and historical. She said once, “Charlie Brown, think of the regrets you’ll have if you never risk anything.” Asked why cartoonist Charles Schultz never had Charlie Brown actually kick the football, he replied, “You can’t create humor out of happiness.”
I think Jesus is saying today, no matter how many times someone hurts you, create forgiveness and reconciliation to gain happiness! It’s hard – but we hope and keep working at it.
Risk. Keep forgiving. We haven’t gotten to 77 yet; hope and keep trying with God’s grace!
Prayer:
God of mercy and grace, we thank you for your loving guidance, inspiring us to be your agents of reconciliation. May we trust in your care and, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, create bonds of love so tight that they are never broken again. Through Christ our Lord.
