The Author

Most of us have read a book or two in life (not counting little kid books). Every book we read has a plot filled with suspense, tension, and even adventure. If it's a really good book, you can get swept away by the story line.

Recently, I read a book that I could not put down. When I did put it down, I couldn't wait for the next time I could pick it up again to find out what was going to happen next. My wife was the one that picked the book for me, so I kept telling her that she picked a great one. I read the thing in just over a day. You might laugh, but for me, this was a big deal.

It got me thinking...

This is an obvious statement to make, but I am going to make it anyway. Behind every book is an author. I know... profound. There was an author that imagined the entire story. The author is the one that determines what the tension will be. The author is the one that develops character. The author is the one that will even decide what the ending will be.

So I guess you could say that every story has an author.

It's interesting, when you step back and look at life, your life story is being written by an author. It's true! For some, the author is all the voices in your head from the past. For others, the author is addiction and abuse. The author could be regret of past choices. A big author, that is hard to admit to, is worry, and in many of us this author is writing sequels.

I guess if I were to try to help us all to think about the author of our story, I would challenge you to not allow those authors anywhere near the pages of yours. Yes, they are part of your story, but they don't need to write the book.

One day, Jesus had these very pointed words: He told the listeners to seek first the kingdom of God. I think what he was trying to help them -and us- understand, is that we need to allow God to be the author of our lives. Let Him tell the story.

I think He is a better author!

Just Sayin

Heineken

Not too long ago, I was helping out a friend by speaking at his church. He was on a family vacation, and needed someone to fill-in while he was away. I was pretty excited about the opportunity to kick off the Christmas series called, "Be Present". I developed the whole message around this idea: "Have you ever been there, but not really there?" ( I talked about this in one of the other blog entries). I really wanted people to think about how easy it would be to let Christmas go by and miss the depth of its meaning.

The morning arrived. I was so excited to share what I had prepared. I was driving along one of the main roads in my city, and I noticed a billboard. I almost missed it, but caught it just as I was passing it. It said, with big bold letters, "What impression are you leaving?".

Have you ever had one of those moments when you know this particular thing is just for you?

I felt that way when I read the billboard!

See, we are all leaving an impression of some sort. We are all telling a story with our lives. Some of us are leaving an impression of worry, others stress. For some, it's the impression of having it all together. For some it's anger, regret, or an unforgiving heart. All of us are leaving an impression with our lives.

As you think about the day ahead of you, or, as you look back, what impression did you leave? If the people around you could tell you the imprint you left on them, what would they say?

It took a Heineken billboard to remind me that we are leaving an impression with our lives. I don't know about you, but I want to leave an impression of kindness, love, acceptance and grace.

Just Sayin!