Clay in the Hands

I sat in a lecture last night and listened to an esteemed preacher discuss, rather prolifically, the importance of narrative and the way it shapes our character.  In preaching circles, “narrative” is a buzz word.  The idea is that each of us process information by understanding facts in the setting of a story.  When we read Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount that peace makers are blessed, in our minds we see someone making peace in a heated situation – a story emerges in our minds as we seek to understand the concept of a peace maker.  In other words, we process ideas in the form of stories.

But a deeper activity is happening as we seek to process information – we are doing so in light of our own story.  The experiences of our lives shape us and also shape the way we view information coming at us.

I realize this is a little more abstract than I normally get (maybe its being back on a college campus that brings it out of me) but here is what it all boils down to for you and me today.  God has made you who you are for a reason – through experiences, people who have impacted you and through the grace you have been shown.  There is only one you and God has a plan for you that only you can carry out.

Count it all joy then that God has created you complete with beauty and warts, quirks and strengths, burdens and joys to make a difference in this life.  The merit in your story is not in what you can attain or obtain but in the contribution you can make in the lives of others.  That is God’s plan – God’s meta-narrative.  Your story is a part of a larger story and your part can only be written and told by you!

Write a new chapter today as you impact others with hope and joy!