Rising Action
Sometimes I think I subconsciously buy into this idea that my life is leading up to some great moment or that the story of my life is in this rising action season right now.
My brother said this to me recently. While he and I are several years apart in age and in different life stages, I echo his sentiments completely. I too sometimes buy into a similar idea that perhaps my life right now, at this moment, is not exactly how I had imagined it would be, but in some foreseeable future, I will be “there” soon; “there” being this magical place where I am fulfilled on every physical and material level. And to some extent, much of this is brought on by what we see in the media, namely social media. After all, aren’t we all just trying to live our most Instagram-worthy lives?
Our culture places significant value on experiences that are indulgent and self-seeking. We emphasize self-discovery, self-improvement, self-reflection, self-love, and self-fulfillment. And while those things are not bad (actually they’re quite positive), in our culture, these values primarily translate to professional success, physical perfection, material wealth, and travel. So when you are not living out these experiences, you feel like you’re not doing enough, you’re not doing the right thing, or that you’re missing out. FOMO – it’s so real. I’m not jumping off of cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea, nor am I presenting constitutional law arguments before the Supreme Court. On most weekends, you can find me at my local Costco picking up ready-made salads, and on most weekdays, I am reviewing IT contracts for my clients. And during those moments when I am feeling particularly sorry for myself, I tell myself that one day, I will be eating the most perfect croissant in Paris. One day, we will finally feel financially secure. One day, I will be happy with my body. But what if I’m not?
And I remember that I am not living for me. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
And I think to myself that this life that I have been given is being lived right now. “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34.
And I remind myself that God made me and gave me certain gifts for the furtherance of His kingdom. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesian 2:10.
So maybe I won’t get to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. And maybe my current job will be my last job. I would be lying if I said that I would be fine with that; there may be disappointment. Even tears. But then again, I have not been called to eat a croissant. I have been called to live this life according to His purpose.