I got the chance to attend “At the Movies” this month at Life Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. The entire lobby was decorated like the set of the Disney movie Encanto. My son was part of the team who built the set, so I was intrigued to discover more about the movie.

As an adult, I admit that I do enjoy animated movies with a good lesson or theme. While the main character, Mirabel, does not receive a magical gift like the rest of her family members, she loves her family and wants to contribute. In the end, she finds that she was the key to bringing them all together in a stronger, more authentic way.

Sometimes, I can feel like Mirabel in wanting to be helpful and contribute. I may not have some magical gift, but what I bring to each encounter is unique. Only I can bring my perspective and experiences to a situation. And, I may not always know when that is exactly what someone else needs.

In one of the scenes, Mirabel is challenged to bring an embrace to her sister. While the relationship has been rocky, she sets aside her personal feelings to provide the embrace that is needed. What she doesn’t know is that her perspective of her sister has been incorrect. Her sister sings, “I make perfect, practiced poses. So much hides behind my smile…What could I do if I just knew it didn't need to be perfect? It just needed to be?”

I love the reminder that we don’t have to be perfect, we just have to be. And, that often I am mistaken when I compare my inside feelings with another’s outside perfections. When I am willing to take time to embrace others for who they really are, then true connection and authenticity is the result.

After walking through the set and watching the movie, I wonder how much more charming the world would be if we could celebrate each other’s gifts, focus on what we can contribute and embrace all people authentically.