{"id":193,"date":"2022-10-12T17:07:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T17:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.valpo.edu\/devotionals\/2022\/10\/11\/at-least-were-all-friends-again\/"},"modified":"2025-08-18T20:19:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T20:19:57","slug":"at-least-were-all-friends-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.valpo.edu\/devotionals\/at-least-were-all-friends-again\/","title":{"rendered":"At least we’re all friends again"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An episode of Veggie Tales<\/em>1<\/sup> features a story patterned after Gilligan\u2019s Island<\/em><\/a>, the situation comedy that ran on CBS in the 1960s. Unlike the original, where the crew and passengers were stranded because of a storm, Larry\u2019s Lagoon <\/em>finds everyone (except for Ginger and Mary Ann, who canceled) stranded on a deserted island because First Mate Larry\u2019s daydreaming causes their little boat to crash against some rocks and sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t be surprised to know that Bob the Tomato (the Skipper) and the other three \u2013 the professor and the wealthy couple \u2013 hold a grudge against Larry for putting them in this predicament. After all, it was his fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larry, recognizing the broken relationship for what it is, resolves to leave the group, since he\u2019s clearly not wanted anymore. Meanwhile, the other four are coming to terms with their own failures and need for forgiveness. The joy of being forgiven causes them \u2013 especially Bob \u2013 to recognize their own failure to forgive Larry. Bob resolves to find his \u201clittle buddy.\u201d \u201cWe have something to tell you!\u201d he calls out across the lagoon to Larry who is leaving the island on a raft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forgiveness is exchanged (Larry forgives them for not forgiving him) and the group is happy again, though their big problem remains unresolved. It\u2019s at this point that Bob drops some wisdom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf only there was a way for us to get back home,\u201d complains the asparagus playing the role of Eunice \u201cLovey\u201d Howell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, well at least we\u2019re all friends again,\u201d Skipper Bob responds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The professor immediately appears flying a helicopter that he\u2019s made out of bamboo and the story quickly moves to its happy ending as all climb aboard, so we might miss the profound importance of Bob the Tomato\u2019s off-hand observation. \u201cAt least we\u2019re friends again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Unlike episodes of Veggie Tales<\/em> and most other short-form television, the problems that enter our lives aren\u2019t quickly resolved by the 25-minute mark with the sudden appearance of a bamboo helicopter. Mostly, when we are aware of problems in life, we spend hours if not days or months in that place where \u201cif only there was a way\u2026\u201d is an appropriate lament.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In these kinds of long-form troubled situations, Bob\u2019s insight about the enduring nature of friendship is not only consolation, it is absolutely necessary. We can hold the grudge and go it alone or we can find a way to share the forgiveness that God gives us and rediscover our companions for the journey, troubled though it may be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pr. Jim<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rev. James A. Wetzstein<\/a> serves as university pastor at the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University and takes turns writing weekly devotions with University Pastor<\/em> Rev. Katherine Museus Dabay.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1<\/sup> VeggieTales, God Wants Me To Forgive Them?<\/em> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rtBjdIO4AnI<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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