One of my least favorite characters said one of my favorite lines ever on the sweet BBC show Downton Abbey:
“Look, it comes down to whether or not you love me. That’s all. That’s it. The rest is detail.”
I never really liked Branson all that much. Then [SPOILER] Sybil died and he finally started tugging on my heart…
It got me thinking about God. About relationships. About this huge thing called love.
Maybe a lot of people would say Branson’s quote is a ridiculous over-simplification. Idealistic or impractical.
But I don’t know, I think there might be a lot of truth there. Or at least a lot to ponder. Because I know how often I get caught up in the details of life and faith…and there’s something refreshing about stepping back, taking a deep breath and reminding myself…
Look, it comes down to whether or not I love God.
Whether or not I love the people around me.
That’s all. That’s it. The rest is detail.
Comments 16
Loved this! It really is that simple yet so often we try to complicate it! Thanks for the reminder!
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Thanks, Abbi. Randomly came across the quote this week and remembered how much I loved it when I first heard it.
I loved that line, and yes, I think it is that simple, at least when it comes to God. That line is going to stick with me now:)
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Yeah, it’s definitely a stick-with-ya kind of line. 🙂
I’m echo what Susan said and I always liked Branson. However, after the last episode, I’m not sure anymore LOL!
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I don’t know what my deal was with Branson. I didn’t really care for him or Sybil…BUT then when Sybil died, I think Branson gave like the most amazing performance ever. And now that he has a kid and is so out of place with the Granthams, he’s tugging on my heart more, that’s for sure. Are you watching season 4 online?? Did the last episode sorta creep you out??
I just watched episode 3 last night. It made me cry. Those sorts of situations just wrench my heart. Hoping for some sort of redemption in upcoming episodes. 🙁
Love your post – Sometimes it is that simple.
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I know, that episode was heart-wrenching, for sure. I kept thinking, “Someone’s going to walk in and stop this, right?” 🙁
It sounds like a God truth to me. All of God’s truths are too simple to be believed. Accept Jesus and I’ll go to heaven? It’s too easy! What’s the catch? 😉
And FWIW, I really think Branson might come into his own in season 4. If it ever comes out…
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It’s true…there’s a lot of simplicity to our faith. Obviously a lot of complexity too when we start talking theology or doctrine, etc, but it’s always comforting to come back to the basic truth of God’s love for us, his sacrifice, our hope. Very cool.
Perfect post, Melissa! It is a great line and a wonderful life truth.
I used to really not like Branson, then I started to love him last season. We’ll see what season 4 holds…
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Same as you, Jennifer. I used to think he and Sybil were kind of annoying. But I really like what they started doing with his character at the end of last season. And I think in season four we’ll see him sort of blossom as a character…especially without being in Matthew’s shadow. 🙂
I love this! Great post, Melissa.
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Thanks, Cara!!
I think it’s both a little idealistic and impractical, but it’s definitely worth pondering, especially when you draw a correlation between that quote and God. Thanks Melissa!
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I hear ya, Naomi. You know what I realized after I wrote this post? I realized there’s a piece of me that’s totally cool with “idealistic and impractical.” I can’t help it, it’s the romantic in me. 🙂 But yeah, spiritually, there’s a lot there to think about…is it oversimplifying to say if we’re focused on loving God, really loving him, and the people he puts in our path, that the rest of it falls into place? Maybe…maybe not. But I like thinking about it. 🙂