Both books ended well, but there were times during the books when I was ready to put them down. The protagonists were just too mean. The plot too painful. The abuse, greed, and vindictiveness too ugly to dwell on.
If those books had ended badly, I would have been very disgruntled at spending months of my life on them.
And, if I hadn't read them completely, I would have been frustrated too. If I had only read, say ... page 560 ... or page 702 ... I might have thought the story was hopeless. I might have thought the villains won. Or the hero and heroine never reconnected. If I only read one chapter, I might have thought justice was an impossible dream. Or those in poverty will always stay that way.
But now, after reading the book in its entirety, I can see the amazing story. The plot progressed, there was tension, conflict and eventually resolution. Good did eventually triumph.
It got me thinking that our lives are a bit like that. For those of us who have accepted Christ, we know we have a happy ending. One way or another, our story will end well. But not every chapter or page in our story is happy.
Today might be page 452 for me. And on page 452 there is conflict. There is tension. If I only read this page, I would have a very different view of the story.
Yet the Author of my story has a purpose for every page and chapter in my life. He's got a story in mind and is building and developing the plot every day. No story is conflict-free. No story is complete without a challenge. Victory is empty without a struggle.
Today, I'm considering my life as a grand story. I know the ending. Good triumphs. The victory will be sweeter because of the struggle. Today is not the story. It's just page 452.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Visit my other blog
5 comments:
Glynnis, I totally and completely love this!! I will be thinking about it all day and will share it with my daughter. I am glad that we don't know the whole story and I am glad we don't stay on one page forever.
I so love your blog today, Glynnis. I am reading right now a thick mystery (700 pages) and also felt very tired and frustrated with things. My daughter has special needs and it is roller coaster dealing with her care day in and day out. Some days are so joyfilled, some are "regular", and others are traumatizing. God gives me the grace I need and so blesses me in the midst. I think as I was thinking about the holidays I was so sad about not connecting with friends that have moved away and feeling so isolated. When my daugher is ill the things I plug in for myself can get robbed. I like that fact that my story doesn't end on this page. May I look to that eternal ending and His blessings amidst circumstances I would not choose myself. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Molly
My family is starting another chapter in our "book". I've been a little stressed about it, but I know God will take care of things. Although I don't like some of the things that have happened in my life, I wouldn't change a thing, because God has taught me so much from all of this!
I love this analogy! It helps put my struggles and weaknesses into perspective (your blog goes very well with Lysa's today). I'm so glad that it's not the end of my story, there is so much more victory to be had! God has much in store for me, I'm just afraid I won't measure up to what He has called me to. It's sometimes a hard fight, but I'm fighting forward. Without sounding cliche', the enemy is fighting hard with me on this one because I'm gaining ground. But, I also feel like it's ground breaking time in the unplowed soil in my heart and that the Lord will come soon and pour water on this thirsty soul.
Hosea 10:12
"Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you."
I'm looking forward to His purpose being done in this chapter of my life!
Bless you,
Connie ~ Winnipeg
I first read this on SheReads. I just wanted to let you know how powerful this post is to me. Thank you for these thoughts.
We could think this same way as we get to know others - others who are part of God's creation. Instead of judging from one moment we view of a person's life, we can remember that this instance is just one page of their story. There's so much more to learn about that person! Remembering this truth can help us renew our hearts and minds to better able to share love and acceptance.
Post a Comment