More Dramatic

The sign at our new house being removed

The Miller family has left the compound.  We have been waiting three long, eventful and uh, “character building” years for this event.  It’s a long story with unexpected twists and fascinating characters.  It is not nearly over or nearly understood but the setting has changed dramatically.  Together we are thankful beyond explanation both to God for his provision and our friends and family for their support and very practical help.

Along the way and during the move, God has made his involvement evident in interesting, comforting and reassuring ways.  In little things like how the flooring fit or timing of details and in big ways like how the heck did we even get a house, it’s just obvious that we are being looked after by someone who loves us deeply and very personally.  It makes me feel safe and expectant simultaneously.

I am becoming increasingly confident in my suspicion that there is more going on here than can be explained or understood with traditional sense or sensibility.  Something dramatic and powerful of all-directions epic proportions is being unleashed.  This suspicion is only confirmed by my circumstances.  I’m hearing the same rumblings whenever I take the time to listen.  Literally, every time I decide to pay attention, I can sense the evidence of God’s power shimmering, settling and directing.  Please don’t ask what I’m doing when I’m not paying attention.

It’s a bit embarrassing.  I think we’ve been told already, in fact, repeatedly, all during our role in the story.  It’s written into the script.  I believe that I, for one, have terribly underestimated the proportions of my role, the role of those around me and the dramatic nature of the coinciding events.  I have settled for the mundane, allowed the enemy to dictate mediocrity and measured myself by extinct standards originally intended to demonstrate their ineffectiveness.

I’ve heard the story with all the clues on felt boards, Sunday mornings and around campfires or at early morning small groups.  To blame a bit, I think most of the clues were explained in terribly uninspiring ways.  No one ever told me I could be a hero.  No one seemed to expect me to be.  I’m not, in the traditional sense measured by standard standards.  I suspect however, that I am supposed to be in a much bigger, much better way.  Perhaps I’ll be one today.  Maybe I was one yesterday.

Jesus stepped into the public sphere after years growing up, learning a trade that required calluses and craftsmanship.  His identity was secure as a man and he was proclaimed by God as his son.  Tested by his arch-enemy and overcoming the temptation to make his own way he offered something.  Wouldn’t the first thing Jesus said in his public ministry be important (I’m trying to understate the obvious)?  Doesn’t it seem natural that there would be a strategy and a reason for his timing and message?  I think there is good reason to pay attention and hear well his foundational message. 

“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”  My translation, “Anyone who has noticed that the last several thousand years of effort have been a complete failure and is ready for a better strategy – I’ve got one… anyone?  How about, now that we have clearly shown that the whole sacrifice, follow the rules thing isn’t working and never will, how about we try something that will work?  Let’s do it my way.”  He then goes on to explain who this new way is for, how it’s different than the old way and what’s required of those who accept the invitation.  He takes three years to demonstrate and teach, preparing 12 men to continue extending the invitation.  He puts the plan fully into motion with his death and resurrection.  He gives us his very life with power to offer life.  He leaves us saying that we are to do greater things than he did…

I don’t think that life is about getting my to do list checked off.  Tips and tricks won’t get me where I’ve been invited to go.  I don’t think a good job with benefits; a house, a car, a time-share and a great retirement plan will suffice when I’ve been offered a role in a much grander eternal story.  It’s not enough to go to church, be nice, avoid bad language and do my duty.  I’m not saying there is anything wrong with these efforts and goals in their proper place.  However, if they get in the way of living a dramatic life in an adventurous story, if they become an end themselves, then, they are bad. 

This life is more dramatic, more exciting than any story I’ve read or any movie I’ve watched.  It is dangerous and romantic, heart breaking and hilarious.  My role is infinitely more significant than I understand.  Everyone’s is.  I want to live into it.  I’m tired of brief glimpses.  I’m greedy for what I think I’m being offered. 

Don’t ask me to stop being so dramatic, I can’t, it’s not me doing it.

Don’t tell me “it’s” not a big deal, it is.

Are you seeing / hearing the same thing? 

Is your story inviting you to more than the mundane?