In the beginning God created.
The Great Creator spoke and began to weave a Great Story. In the beginning God...
I visit my friend Cindy's grave and weep. This week marks two years since her passing. Memories flow, hardy sobs choke away desperate gasps for air. I breathe and my heart aches. Endings upset me. The story can't be over. I do not wish to turn that final page. I prefer "In the beginning God...".
God creates. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and I am totally absorbed in the diversity of His story. God takes my journey and intersects my story with His Great Story. I'm so brave at the beginning. God's there. He introduces me to new settings, new characters, new plot conflicts and resolutions. And then we end - sometimes even "happily ever after." I still prefer the beginning.
I love the brave, daring, encouraging pilgrims encountered as He writes my story. I love the opening "Once upon a Time" God created Melody. I love the "First, Second and Third" scenes in my unique and personal play. I love the character flaws and the heroic friends sent my way to help me process. The final curtain? Not a fan.
This week His Story begins with The Main Character entering crowded streets and winding roads while gatherers parade Him with palm branches. It's the beginning of this particular chapter. And it occurs to me that He knows how this story will end. Death.
And then it also occurs to me that death is not the end. It's only the beginning.
It's only the beginning. It's the prologue. His resurrection brings new life and THAT'S where the story begins for us. His Great Story is eternal! "What's next?" my storybook heart wants to know. "Tell me more," my prayers repeat.
And then the God who created beginnings tells me in the book of Ruth, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens." (Ruth 3:18) He has me hooked.
After our conversation, this feels like a sequel. I am dealing with the decline of my dear mother-in-law. This post really helps me to see it as a new beginning for her. Even though she has not been able to shape Jesus Christ into her life, I wonder if she is having long conversations with him during these last days. I hope you are able to feel the deep love of your friend in new ways this spring.
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