EPIC: I'm part of a bigger book
No, I'm not talking about Al Franken's LYING LIARS book (which I honestly am in, he refers to me as R.J. troughout chapter 31--don't buy the book); rather, my chapter of life fits into a context of a larger book which begins, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning (John 1:1&2)."
In EPIC's act 1, John Eldredge shows us that I'm a small chapter in a bigger book. My 2 year old daughter often forgets (I'm sure she actually has never really considered it for the first time let alone forgetting) that my wife and I lived before she was born. We had hobbies and stayed pretty busy without her. However, our precious little girl thinks life is about what she wants, which is apparant by here favorite phrase, "I wan' it." Unfortunately, much as a two year old, I forget that my life isn't the beginning and end. I'm just one chapter among many.
John also points out that all of our chapters mingle. I'm part of your chapter and you're part of mine. For instance, as you read my blog, you've allowed me to be part of your chapter--thanks. John's point is amazing; he says, "We are relational beings." By the way, I have three lectures on this very thing (1. People need people by design--Genesis 1; 2. People need people by plan--Eph 4:11-12; 3. People need people by command--Mat 28:19-20). To prove his point John asks you to think of the most beautiful, exciting, and heart breaking things you've ever experienced. How many of those experiences did not include other people? See, you are relational.
I praise God that He has allowed my chapter to mingle with many great folks. For instance, my Dad--our life chapters share some pretty incredible adventures. Another example, my Mom--her chapter causes my chapter to be brave and willing to face difficult journeys. The list can go on and on, but I will only give one more example, Uncle Bill--his hard work, expectation for excellence, and tilted sense of humor has shaped my chapter incredibly.
I pray that as our chapters mingle--whether it be formal or informal, steady or sparse--I can play a small part in pointing you to the tremendous hope found in the Author of the great story.
