Redemption and ER

I don't know if you are a fan of ER, which seems to be eclipsed by other medical dramas on Prime Time television, but I am. I started watching it in college. I'm not obsessive with it, but if it is a new episode, I like to try to be able to watch it, the only show on TV I actually do this with. The list of characters throughout the drama's 14 seasons is long and distinguished. There are times when political and social issues have been challenged and addressed, but last night's season finale depicted redemption in the life of one of the characters. Abby Lockhart, has always been one of the most intriguing characters on the show. The latest turn of events for her was being separated from her husband by the Atlantic Ocean, relapsing into alcoholism, and being unfaithful to her marriage vows while under the influence of alcohol. She hit rock bottom in her personal life not to mention the toll it was taking on her professional life. Her life has been a testimony of grace as she has owned up to her addiction again and her mistake with another man, even coming clean with her husband. Last night after being estranged from one another she and her husband decided to make things work again. Now that doesn't mean that things always work out the way we want them to when we allow sin to wreak havoc in our lives, but what I noticed last night was that redemption is always a possibility. Dr. Lockhart's life was in shambles, completely destroyed, but grace was present in her life allowing her to sober up, renew her commitment as a doctor, and restore her relationship with her husband.

The conclusion to her story last night reminded me that redemption is a real thing in our world, but we usually don't pay attention to it. We forget that what was lost can be found. We forget that what was broken can be mended. We forget that pain can be soothed. We forget that sin can be forgiven. We forget that grace is always available and always free. It's interesting to me that what was an hour of mindless media engagement can remind a person of the goodness of God and the reality of a redeemed life.