Several years ago Tim and I watched a series that unfolds in the 19th century when pioneers were making inroads out West. Back then, the only way those on the East Coast could find out what was happening on the West Coast was through telegraph or the newspaper. The newspaper was extremely important.
The reporter in this particular episode was trying to gather some information from the lead character to include in her newspaper story. She was hoping to stir up some sensationalism, perhaps a bit of gossip.
When she asked the protagonist a question for the paper, his response struck me deep.
“It’s not a story, lady. It’s my life.”
It’s my life. Not a story.
Perhaps we have it wrong in our twenty-first century. We are constantly reading each other’s “stories” and being told that we have our own story to tell. So much so that we forget to live our lives. Is it possible we have reversed the order of how it is to be? Too often we forget it’s our life we are living, not a story.
We celebrate birthdays, phone in hand so we can post the pictures instantly on Instagram.
We venture to the mountains for a retreat, yet remain attached to our Facebook feed.
We overshare online, creating little sacred space to share between us and God alone.
We live our lives too distracted to really be in the moment.
How often do we play into the idea that our life is a story for others to read, rather than realizing that we are the ones living life?
Real life is not what we portray online.
Real life happens each morning when I overcook Tim's eggs. It unfolds as I drop another pile of laundry on the floor. It seeps into the fabric of the soiled sheets while potty-training our littles.
We are the ones living life. How easy it is to forget this. Too often we escape reality in hours of mindless television watching, more engrossed in what happens in the next episode than taking time to read aloud a bedtime story to our children. We follow our heros online more than we take the time to pick up the phone and call our own parents. We have lost the art of paying attention to those closest in our lives.
Susan Schaeffer Macaulay was on to this years ago when she wrote,
“The art of giving attention to each other is being lost as our eyes click onto yet another video that is all too like the last one. Gazing into the fire, enjoying a back rub, or resting and listening to music while stroking the loved one’s hair--that is the sort of thing I mean. You can see where such evenings take the married couple--happily off to bed a bit on the early side!”
Might our marriages find more fulfillment if we took the time to really see our mates? If we reached out with affection, when least expected, who knows what might happen? If we stopped running around to the next thing, and sat down on the front porch and listened to what our loves have to say.
“Life can actually be simple and sweet, even in our rushing age that smells too often of diesel fuel. Let us slow down a bit! We’re not programmed to have to choose to waste our time looking at or playing at ‘virtual’ life rather than investing ourselves in flesh-and-blood relationships! It is our real life that matters.”
Let us not forget to realize the value of our own home in everyday life. The beauty of those living right underneath our noses. It’s our life, not a story. We are the ones living life, and it is glorious.
Tomorrow we are starting a new series for paid subscribers to Mend. During the month of February, we will study how to mend our homes. Paid subscribers receive two-three emails per week, rooted in studying Scripture. This is also where I like to share some of my favorite books, songs, and other fun stuff. I find the intimacy of this space fuels transparency and inspiration, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow with you. If you think you might like to join us the link is below. Just mark either the monthly or yearly subscription. Further up, my friends!
So reminds me of a poem I wrote years ago called, "Savor the Moments"! Thanks for the gentle nudge this morning.
Thank you for this dear friend. Much needed reminder this morning. 💕