Do You Feel Like Your Life Has No Plot?

I am the perfect or the most annoying person to watch a movie with. I scream or cry or draw blood from the arm next to me at just the right moments.

More than anything I love a good story.

But sometimes when your to-do list says “clean toilets” again it’s hard to imagine your own life is going anywhere.

So here’s a short English lesson, along with a dose of hope.

In literature we have a plot chart, and this is always the same no matter if the story is a chick flick or a shoot-em-up.

Plot includes:

1. Introduction.
2. Rising action.
3. Climax.
4. Falling action.
5. Resolution.

In the big book that deserves a place on the coffee table, we have the introduction of Adam, Eve, and snake. Man falls to crafty snake –all hope seems lost –death is imminent. Then Jesus dies –has evil won? But wait! The stone is rolled away. Jesus stomps head of snake and saves fair maiden. He leaves for a time. She awaits him with lantern lit, at the ready for his return.

Here’s what plot has to do with you: You are in the story.

Your life isn’t the story –it is a part of it. 

When you’re looking for meaning, look outward to the Bible. Map the plot in your mind and take courage.

You and I? Our characters are three pages from the end…

Where Mr. Darcy’s aunt is yelling at Elizabeth.

And Frodo can’t remember the Shire or the taste of strawberries.

And Mr. Bhaer has just missed Jo at the house.

We’re near the end, sister. We’re almost to the happy-sighing part. Keep turning the pages of your life –it’s getting you somewhere.

“For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV)