Life is a Story

I’m not sure what you expect to read with a title like that, but I truly believe life to be a story.  In the essence of getting all the cliches out of the way, life is ultimately His story (the “His” here being God); seasons of life are chapters or sections; each page we turn leads to a new development; etc.  [I hope I hit all the major paths a post like this could take, but if I didn't, please add your favorite here.]

So, life is a story.  In that case, what is the story we are telling?

Each day, we have this thing called “opportunity.”  We’re more in control of it some times than others.  The thing to remember is we can always make the most of it.

This past week has been one of many opportunities.  It was a busy time for everyone at work as we strive for excellence in ourselves and for listening ears throughout the area.  I was presented with a choice this week which exemplified the values of prayer and seeking wise counsel.  Immediate family, a close friend, and I have all found our way into car shops–some came out better than others.  Decisions have been placed in the lap of someone I love and care for deeply.  That same person recently lost two people she knows.  Not to mention, many obstacles seem to make their way to her.  In other words, for myself and those nearest to me, it’s been a big week.

I believe God wants us all to learn from the story that is our lives.  Really, we are just reading what He already knows.  But are we pausing as we read and spending time seeking Him?

So much good is on the horizon, too.  For the immediate future, it’s the weekend.  This is a time to rejuvenate and prepare for the next week.  It’s a time to worship corporately.  It’s a time to detach ourselves from many of the things that we deserve to rest from.

Further than the weekend, I’m able to look ahead at some cool things that are happening for me.  I’m turning 26 in two weeks, and I can’t wait to spend that time with family and friends.  I’m seeing my favorite band on their final tour in a little over a month, and will likely be sharing that experience with friends who are fellow diehard fans.  Nearly a month after that, I’ll be sitting with my best friend, watchin’ some rasslin’ live in South Carolina’s capital.  And if I look even further, I’m beginning the year in the ATL with a crazy amount of Christ-followers at one amazing conference/movement that will take up half the Georgia Dome!

Even in the day-to-day, I’m loving the current Sunday morning series my church is doing, based on my favorite show, The Office.  In my small group, we are going through a book that is rocking my world about vision and purpose (not that one, this one).  Work each day is a new adventure, but the task-oriented person in me digs the challenges (and the rest of me loves hitting the hay when I get home).  I’m also managing to drop a pound here and there, and even something as simple as Facebook swagging out profiles is enough to get to make my computer geeky-ness light up (yes, I’m that easily amused).

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “never a dull moment,” that seems to describe life for me these days.

Perhaps the coolest part of my story is seeing my passions, skills, abilities, gifts, and experiences come into play in all of these things.  With these things in action, I’m really shining.

Most importantly, I’m only getting the most out of life when I’m spending time with God.  I’m thankful for those quiet drives to work and first few minutes of my day, as well as all the windows to pray from 4am on…

When we are truly in tune with God, He will comfort us and, in His time, show us the way He wants us to go.

Don’t believe me?  Take a few minutes to look over what God is doing in the life of this man, as he begins a 10-year ministry of impacting every country in the world at age 50.  AMAZING!

You’ll always be stunned at where God leads you.  And even though it is cliche, your story is best told when it becomes His story.  Meet with the Author regularly.