Belonging in the Story

I’m on the cusp of starting classes, but back when it still felt like summer, I met with Dena Hill, a family friend. We walked through my mother’s garden, enjoying the sunshine and blossoms, and Dena shared with us her experience with Spiritual Direction. (You can read a bit more about her approach here).

I was particularly interested in lectio and visio divina, practices that have become part of various Christian traditions. These are ways to read Bible passages, with a different focus for each reading, dwelling on a word, imagining the sensory aspects of a story, placing yourself within it. She noted that this approach to doesn’t replace studying in a more analytical way. This is a way to meditate, to be receptive to what the Holy Spirit presents.

I've been reflecting on placing ourselves within biblical passages, and how we might belong within the stories of scripture. I see many invitations in the New and Old Testament, where God encourages His people to encounter Him in stories, parables and metaphor. The prophets present arresting pictures, as God warns and calls His wandering people. Ezekiel comes to mind, digging through the wall and hauling his possessions out, as Israel would in coming exile. God’s song in Isaiah invites His people to see themselves, in His vineyard of wild grapes. Scripture gives place to imagination. Here God uses images to hold up a mirror to His people, with a yearning to bring them to Himself.

I find myself most compelled to enter the gospel stories. Maybe this is from the decades of taking bread and wine to remember a supper millennia ago. Or perhaps because these accounts are so full of lively details - water pots, thatched roofs, fishing nets and dusty feet. The palpable descriptions of sun and dirt, wine and vines, presenting the joy and toil of Jesus' everyday world. I suspect what makes the gospels such a fitting entry point is that here God comes near as man, and I want to come close as well.

I can easily identify with the perplexed, yearning, wounded people Jesus met. In my more honest moments, I can also see myself among the self-satisfied, law-loving, proud ones too. I find it is not always comfortable to put myself in the story - it often surprises and convicts me. Jesus meets us where we are, but He rarely leaves us there (thank goodness!)

I’m thankful to Dena for opening new vistas in experiencing and enjoying Scripture. I hope to continue learning what it is to belong within the stories God has revealed. And how they may shape our stories.

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