You’re Not as Significant as You Think

I’ve been thinking a lot about my place in this world, my story. Mainly because what I seem to be reading and hearing, in a round about way from friends and pastors, seems to be saying the same thing.

I’m not as significant as I think.

I know, a while ago a wrote a post titled, You Are Not Insignificant, and made a big deal how I believe we are significant to God, and I stand by that post 100%, but dare I say I think some of us (raising my hand high) might think our current story or problems or lack of a book contract just might be the most important thing going on in the universe. Well, I exaggerate, I know, but what I’m trying to say is that I tend to get so caught up in my little corner of my world, my life, that I forget there is a bigger picture, a bigger storyline going on, and I’m just a small part of it.

As writers we like to be in control of our stories, and if you’re a plotter, then you’ve taken a lot of time to make sure your story heads in a specific direction. You are in control. Though you’d like to be the author of your own personal story (and you are to an extent,) imagine yourself as a character instead. You have no control of the direction your life will take (except for the choices you make and even then…) All you see is what’s in front of you and going on around you. You have no idea what’s going to happen and how your current struggles fit into the big picture/story that you’re part of. As a character, you might not even know there is a bigger story. But there is. Most of us forget that.

I know I’m rambling, but all that to say, when your current story gets to be burdensome, or too much to figure out, stop… stop worrying, stop striving, and just be. (Preaching to myself here.) Be a supporting character in a bigger story and stop trying to make life happen. Just let it happen. Realize that your current problem or struggle or lack of time to write is just an ink drop on the page of God’s storybook.

Yes, you are significant, but not as significant as you think. God has a bigger story, and you are an important part of it, but your personal story is not as important as you think. It’s hard for those absorbed in western culture to grasp this, but try. I know, lots to digest, in fact, I’m still chewing.

So, the point of this blog post. Trust the storyteller. He knows how the story ends and has you just where he wants you. And if you suddenly take a wrong direction (like our characters often do,) trust that he’ll get you back on track. Realize you’re not simply the hero in your own story, but a small character in a bigger story you might never understand this side of heaven.  And that’s okay. Kinda gives life a different perspective, doesn’t it?

Your turn: What do you think?