During my church meeting over the weekend a man was telling a story of how he met another man, and had an opportunity to express his testimony with him. It was interesting to me that, though what he shared was inspirational, it was his last sentence that struck me.
The speaker smiled and said, "That was Wednesday, so I don't know how the story ends."
So often we get down about life because it's not going our way. We get discouraged, sad, even depressed. Sometimes we tend to focus on the here and now, like it is the end.
We convince ourselves that our book will never get published because it was rejected by one agent.
We will never get married because we aren't dating right now.
We will never get that degree we wanted because we're home raising kids.
We will never be anything special, because we are just...us.
When we are at the end, so is our hope.
But, here's the truth that hit me like a ton of bricks when he said those words:
None of us are at the end of our story.
This is just today, so we don't know how the story ends.
There so many possibilities. Yes, some of those possibilities are a little scary, BUT, the others are so exciting, and fill me with hope.
Especially when we understand that we are the author of our own story.
We can decide how it will end.
Where do you want to be in five years?
Who do you want to be?
What does God have planned for you?
How many lives will you touch?
What kind of impact will you leave?
It is true that we cannot control everything, but God gave us the ability to think and act for ourselves. Those are the rudders that will steer us through the paths He puts before us. We are in control. We can make the choices that are necessary to be happy. We can overcome grief, pain, and hard times. We can achieve. Our story will continue.
There is a saying that I love: The person at the bottom of the stairs looking up is better off than the person at the top of the stairs looking down.
Where you are isn't as important as where you are headed.
So, my question to you today is:
Since this is only today, and you don't know how your story ends, where do you want to go? What do you want to do?
If you don't know, that's okay. Ask God. I know He's got some great ideas (perfect ideas) for you.
Together, you can write--and live--the most amazing story.
Where you are at this moment isn't the end of that story. So, don't wallow in the present. Don't become complacent in the now. Don't celebrate as though the work is done.
For there is more, much more to your story.
To me, there isn't much more exciting or empowering than possibilities.
And, here's the greatest thing: Even after the chapter of your live here on earth ends, there is still more to your story.
There is a greater purpose to life than just this life. There is a greater purpose to us than what we can see. There is a greater--and much more beautiful--end to our story than we could ever imagine.
But try to imagine.
What do you want in your story?
Who do you want to be?
Who does He want you to be?
This is your story. You are the author. How do you want your story to end?
I needed that boost after last week. It's not the end! Thanks, Michelle!
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