If setting is where a story unfolds, then we as Christians have an awesome advantage. We get to exist in two settings at once. Even while we walk, wander, wash and whistle on this physical earth, we simultaneously live and move in another setting – the Kingdom of Christ.
It can be rather fun to think of our lives in this way.
As we meander down the slushy street on a grey afternoon, the stranger walking towards us could likely never guess we are also, in that moment, travelling through another world.
When we rub the sleep from our eyes in the morning, no matter what the hours ahead hold, we can anticipate adventure because of this simple fact – we straddle two realities.
Perhaps the most wonderful, life-giving, heart-filling part of it all is this: That while our time in the one setting will one day stop, it won’t in the other. Our existence in the Kingdom of Christ goes on forever.
As writers of faith, we can see ourselves as brokers between the two realms. We bring back stories, lyrics, poems, and lessons infused with Kingdom of Christ air to share in the stale, dead fog of a society that believes one sad setting is all they’ve got and all they’ll ever get.
It’s really quite exciting, this opportunity we have. May we continue to be energized and active in making the most of it, until our two-setting existence is up, and we continue our adventure with Christ throughout eternity.
Michelle and her family enjoy hiking mountains and trails together. She is currently writing a series called, What Growing Up in a Mennonite Family of 10 Taught Me About Survival. To receive the bi-weekly tips, visit this link and subscribe.
Yes, Michelle, it was rather fun to realize that we do live in these two worlds. Being reminded that we have the beautiful opportunity to bring words of life and light from the Kingdom and release them here in our earthly realm. Thank you for your lovely take on 'place'.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of being a "broker" between two places. Thank you, Michele for this thoughtful interpretation of living in two places at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYour post is such a poignant reminder of how as Christians ‘this world is not our home we are just passing through’ yet we reside here now while we look towards what comes and are called to reveal that to others. Really enjoyed this
ReplyDeleteWell said. Amen. And thank you for your clear remind of this enormous truth. Let us go tell everyone the news that the Kingdom of God has come. (Sharon Espeseth)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder of this absolute wonderful truth, Michelle! Amen!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this perspective of living in two settings. I love your statement, "We bring back stories, lyrics, poems, and lessons infused with Kingdom of Christ air to share in the stale, dead fog of a society that believes one sad setting is all they’ve got and all they’ll ever get." This would be a fitting purpose statement for your writing. You have a lot to say in your writing we readers can all hug to our hearts and souls, my friend.
ReplyDelete