I know that this isn't a new idea. It is not revolutionary. It is not a sudden discovery. It is something that we all know...almost intrinsically. It is certainly something that we know by experience. I do think, however, that it deserves a little of our attention. So...here goes.
Unless we ourselves are the primary players of a particular drama...we are always on the outside looking in. Unless we are directly involved in a "thing," all we see is what others choose for us to see.
There is always a story behind the story. Or, perhaps more accurately, there is always an image behind the words.
I think it is important for us to remember that as we encounter the world..or rather..as we encounter the people in it. I was reminded of it last week. The words I heard...and the image behind them...have been haunting me...or humbling me...ever since.
I spend time with her when she wants to. She's been battling cancer for quite some time now. It's a roller coaster...as some of you know first hand. Understandably, lots of questions arise...lots of thoughts and emotions surface. We deal with those as best we can. We talk things through trying to come up with some grain of wisdom and insight...something to grab hold to until the next wave. We ride. Mostly, we just pray. I'm often left wondering just who is ministering to whom. Our roles seem to reverse or, at least, alternate during our times together.
Last week, we were together...we were riding the roller coaster and were trying to discern just exactly what to pray for when she said,
"You know when you hear me talking about treatments and chemo and options and white counts and liver enzymes that I don't see those things in my head. What I see...even as I say those words..talk about those things...is my 13 year old son."
The story behind the story. The image behind the words.
What does he see in his mind's eye when he shares, "Hey...I've got two job interviews lined up this week." Does he see an application or a resume or an interviewer? Does he see a conference room or office where the meeting will take place? Does he see opportunity? Or...does he see the image of himself potentially having to tell his wife and family that the job went to someone else...
When she tries to muster the courage (not to mention the faith) to say, "I know he's in a better place. At least he isn't suffering anymore. He wouldn't have wanted to live that way,"...what does she see? Does she see "heavenly realms" and a far better existence that her husband of decades has been birthed into? Or...does she see a vacant place at the table...his empty chair...his...
There is always a story behind the story. There is always an image behind the words.
To be sure...there is hope...all is not lost. The truth remains that God has promised to be faithful to us...to not forsake us. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I believe that with all my heart.
In the meantime, however....I'm going to understand a little better...feel a little deeper...care a little wider...and love a little bigger.
Join me?
Unless we ourselves are the primary players of a particular drama...we are always on the outside looking in. Unless we are directly involved in a "thing," all we see is what others choose for us to see.
There is always a story behind the story. Or, perhaps more accurately, there is always an image behind the words.
I think it is important for us to remember that as we encounter the world..or rather..as we encounter the people in it. I was reminded of it last week. The words I heard...and the image behind them...have been haunting me...or humbling me...ever since.
I spend time with her when she wants to. She's been battling cancer for quite some time now. It's a roller coaster...as some of you know first hand. Understandably, lots of questions arise...lots of thoughts and emotions surface. We deal with those as best we can. We talk things through trying to come up with some grain of wisdom and insight...something to grab hold to until the next wave. We ride. Mostly, we just pray. I'm often left wondering just who is ministering to whom. Our roles seem to reverse or, at least, alternate during our times together.
Last week, we were together...we were riding the roller coaster and were trying to discern just exactly what to pray for when she said,
"You know when you hear me talking about treatments and chemo and options and white counts and liver enzymes that I don't see those things in my head. What I see...even as I say those words..talk about those things...is my 13 year old son."
The story behind the story. The image behind the words.
What does he see in his mind's eye when he shares, "Hey...I've got two job interviews lined up this week." Does he see an application or a resume or an interviewer? Does he see a conference room or office where the meeting will take place? Does he see opportunity? Or...does he see the image of himself potentially having to tell his wife and family that the job went to someone else...
When she tries to muster the courage (not to mention the faith) to say, "I know he's in a better place. At least he isn't suffering anymore. He wouldn't have wanted to live that way,"...what does she see? Does she see "heavenly realms" and a far better existence that her husband of decades has been birthed into? Or...does she see a vacant place at the table...his empty chair...his...
There is always a story behind the story. There is always an image behind the words.
To be sure...there is hope...all is not lost. The truth remains that God has promised to be faithful to us...to not forsake us. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I believe that with all my heart.
In the meantime, however....I'm going to understand a little better...feel a little deeper...care a little wider...and love a little bigger.
Join me?
Painting by Kelly Angard - The Crafty-Girl
1 comments:
I think the image behind the story is your driving force when trials are tough, its as if god puts them there when you need them most. I am asked all the time what keeps me going, for me its the image of my precious teenage son. You help me see the light at the end of the tunnel David, there is no doubt in my mind who is ministering to whom!
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