Writers In The Storm

I’m not an actress. I don’t even play one on, er-, never mind. Had I the choice, I would have starred in my first roll before the age of seven. By now, of course, I’d have my star on the sidewalk, my signature in cement, and a wing in my mansion to house my Oscars, and such.

But I didn’t, so I’m not, and I haven’t.

If we all had a choice, the world be overrun with famous actresses, rock stars, sporting giants, and — thanks to the current Princess Movement among the under eight crowd — excess female royalty. The whole system would make clean toilets passé. Who, alas, would deign to do the scrubbing?

It’s like starting a business, everyone wants to call the shots, be in charge, make the 30,000 ft decisions. But, first things first. Who’s going to pay for the business cards?

In God’s infinite wisdom, He calls us each to be a part of the body of Christ. I understand my role, more so, now than ever. This blog, my other writing, has helped me define my significance.

I’m not a head. I don’t now, have never, will never speak from a pulpit or position of authority.

I’m not feet. I don’t lead others. I’m not especially good at following. And often, I’m not entirely sure of where I’m going.

I could be a shoulder. Whatever ache someone has had, I’ve had one too.  Maybe not the same one. but I understand pain.

I could be a pinkie. Not leading the charge, like an index, or definitive in function like the thumb, but a pinkie that can work with the crew to get something done.

More likely, I’m something internal, soft-tissued, messy, and expendable.

As long as God loves me, I’m good with that.

Every year when baseball season begins my son’s coaches focus on fundamentals-basic skills in fielding, batting, pitching, base-running, and other baseball essentials. Throughout the season, they continue to drill the fundamentals in regular practices. My kids’ piano teacher emphasizes scales, technique, and regular, disciplined practice. As a teacher, I encourage daily studying rather than waiting to the last minute to cram for a test. At least the kids listen to two out of three.

It’s the same in other areas of life. When we practice the fundamentals in daily living, we have a reserve to fall back on when we encounter the “big leagues,” the high-pressure moments that threaten to un-do us. Those moments when we don’t have the luxury to think, to ponder, to analyze, to work through a number of scenarios, to brainstorm… when we need an instant response, and we need it to be right. That’s when all the practice pays off.

Luke touched on this principle-He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much. When we learn to live with integrity when no one’s looking, we’ll make the right choices in different moments on a larger stage. Paying attention to the details that matter to God reaps a benefit beyond the scope of small things.

We learn to live in those “little” moments by sticking to the basics of our faith-trusting and obeying God, saying “no” to wrong choices, sitting quietly in His presence. Listening for His voice as we read His word. Believing in His goodness. Taking our questions to Him. Giving Him our messes with all the accompanying emotions, fears, and anxieties. Expressing gratitude for Who He is and thanking Him for all He does. The “little” everyday moments of Christian living.

Getting back to the basics of practicing Christian disciplines on a daily basis prepares us for the bigger moments of life. Figuring out how to struggle well in everyday issues makes it easier to battle in the hard times. If we’ve practiced the basics in low-pressure moments, those fundamentals will carry us in the heat of the game.