HEARING THE WHOLE STORY
Almost every day I have the privilege of listening to some part of the
life story of one or more unique
individuals. Most often only small segments of
the story are told at one time. Perhaps, if there are many conversations, the
pieces start to fit together and a bigger picture begins to appear.
Occasionally the whole of a life story (to date!) is told all at once. I
listened to a story like that yesterday and it's got me thinking.
As the listener, I was awed by the artistry of divine design as God brought
together unlikely threads to weave this person's life pattern. I could see some clear,
strong, consistent bands of colour. I felt confident and excited about how the
pattern would continue to be woven.
Yet the person who was in the midst of living the story felt only
confusion, helplessness and despair.
This is not unusual, but what is going on here? Why do we find it so
hard to believe that the story of our own lives has a pattern and a plot that
is exciting, beautiful and well within the caring control of God? Why is it
easier to believe this (and see it) in the lives of others?
Perhaps we lack the capacity to stand back far enough from the chapter
of the story we are currently living. Perhaps from the ground level of our
'now' experiences we lose sight of the undulating peaks and valleys which make
for a beautiful landscape. Perhaps in the valleys or on the flatlands we fear
that even God might have lost the map!
Many Biblical characters might have felt the same way. Abraham and Sarah
for example. Promises of many descendants seemed hollow mockery year after
year. Who could blame them for trying to "make the promise come true"
in their own way? Or think of Joseph. If anyone had a right to confusion,
helplessness and despair, he did! Everything seemed to go wrong for Joseph from
teenage years onwards. Family jealousy and rejection, slavery, false
accusations of sexual harassment, imprisonment...surely God has lost the map
this time! Even Mary, Jesus' own mother, could have been forgiven for thinking
something was radically amiss when she saw this special God-given son being
misunderstood, maligned, and finally lynched and murdered.
When we read these stories we do so from the perspective of the whole.
We know how the parts fit together and how God is demonstrating the ability to
bring it all to an exciting and often extraordinary conclusion.
While we are living our own stories we don't have that advantage
...except by faith. Part of growing that faith, it seems to me, is listening to
story after story of how God does it again and again. Biblical stories,
biographical stories and the in-process stories of our brothers and sisters can
all contribute to our confidence.
Our faith is built too when someone listens to our story and, from their
more objective position, tells us what they see. In the third year Spiritual
Formation class at BCNZ we do just that. [Remember this was written when I was teaching at BCNZ] We listen with respect, ask questions
to draw out more, and pray for the teller of the story. As we do so, themes
emerge and insights are gained that strengthen the faith and sense of direction
of the storyteller. A formal group setting is not necessary, however. We can
offer one another a mutual ministry of faith building as we listen to each
other's stories in many informal settings.
Bit by bit we may be able to believe that in our own lives, no matter
how painful or confusing, God is writing a story.
I learn so much from the people I listen to. I'm learning not to jump to
conclusions on the basis of one or two chapters of a life story. I'm learning
that the pattern of God will be there to be discovered if I'm patient enough.
I'm learning to listen in faith for what might be the whole story, even if some
of it is yet to be written.
