Everyone has a story if you take the time to hear it. Most of our stories start off without much input from us at all, because we don’t get to choose where, when, or how we are born. We don’t get much say about the family we are born into, our genetic makeup, or even our names. That all gets decided before we are even born, and we just learn those things as we grow up. Out of the thousands of other factors that conform us into who we are today, some we seem to have more of a say in, as to how we respond to those around us, our ability and willingness to learn new things, and how we grow in wisdom and strength. In the whole nature vs. nurture debate, we have seen that both have an influence, but I would say that ¾ of who we will be is already determined by our genetic makeup, and the other ¼ is from where and how we are brought up, which for most of us is by parents who are already a lot like us, whether we would admit it or not. So, is who you are today mostly decided when you were born, or have you ever considered all the ‘what ifs’ in your life and where you would be if you decided to take that one job, marry another person, or move to a far off country? The potential outcomes seem fairly endless, so who could have known how your story would unfold?
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
The above newspaper article was published about my great grandfather (my father’s mother’s father) nearly 100 years ago. I never met this man, nor do I know many stories about him, though I’m sure many more existed. Whether I know it or not, his story is part of my story, and in fact, who he was is part of who I am. I do like hearing stories from my relatives about the lives of my ancestors and genealogy is a good way to help us discover a bit more of how we came to be. We could say that all of this is just randomness and genes and circumstances, but there are others who would say that God already predestined us to be where we are right now, for better or worse. In fact, our story is also part of His story, and how He called us to be part of His family into which we have been adopted. It is pretty amazing when you think about it, but for those of you reading this, our final chapter is still not written yet. How will it play out and what will they say about us in the papers when our earthly chapter has ended? If you have never had the experience of trying to write your own obituary, you should try it sometime, as it really helps you delve into who you think you are and what you really want to accomplish in your life, or what is left of it.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29
One of my favorite things to do in life is to sit down with someone for a bit and let them tell me their story, ask questions, and get a small snapshot of what their life has been like. It may even help us reflect on our own lives a bit as well, as we all have the potential to do some pretty amazing things, even though none of us will ever make the headlines or be scrutinized for our fame and celebrity. So, take some time to reflect on the interconnectedness of your story, to the stories of your family, your friends, to strangers, and to God’s story, as we are part of that as well. We read the stories of all the great characters of the bible and may be astounded as to how God used them in amazing ways, but let’s be aware of the fact that He is continuing to write out some amazing stories in our lives today as well. Maybe celebrate those stories and encourage others as they live out those miracles of life each and every day!
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:4-5
Yours in Christ,
Clark
