When did life become so complicated? At what point in history can someone direct their index finger and declare with certainty, “That’s when life became hard!” Ask a thousand people that probing question, and I’m confident you will receive a thousand varying answers, each one dependent on that person’s particular life circumstances. Recently, this question became relevant to me when a simple concept of air in a tire became a much more complex issue needing attention.

For readers who are familiar with my automotive tastes, you are aware that I am fascinated by the technology available in vehicles today; after all, the defining factor in one SUV purchase may have been the cool, lighted cupholders and accent lighting that could be altered across the color spectrum on a whim. Seriously, that sealed the deal! Now, I’m an avid fan of features such as heated steering wheels, ventilated seats, and adaptive cruise control, even if my daily commute tops out at forty MPH. However, as luxurious as all these elements are, they also bring about complications. Thus, the current issue of needing to complete a simple task of adding air to a deflating tire. What should be a Simple Story of adding a small amount of air to a low tire has now created a persistent warning light on the dashboard, email messages, and app notifications making sure I am fully aware that the left rear tire should be at 36 psi, not 32. When did life become so complicated?

As I ponder these first-world issues, I am reminded of how frequently I transform a Simple Story into a complicated matter when contemplating my life plan and the purposes for which God created me. Returning to a concept mentioned in Respectfully Mystified, I have been reminded this week from resources such as Ken Costa’s Know Your Why and Charles Stanley’s In Step With God, that often a Simple Story, rather than a complex one, is how God chooses to fulfill His purposes through those He created. In navigating this pilgrimage of research in order to assist emerging adults in creating Habits of a Flourishing Life, I’m prompted to revisit Scripture and reread the Simple Stories as a reminder of how often someone’s Simple Story can have profound impact on other people and situations.

If a desire exists to coach emerging adults into a flourishing life, then it is relevant to recognize that we will not always be aware of how our Simple Story ends; and therefore, it is vital that we continue to trust and obey the One who created us, and to stop Stealing the Pen in an effort to write our own story. Imagine that if in the Simple Stories of Scripture, the people God chose to use opted instead to write their own ending? In the middle of the experience, I cannot fathom the discipline it took for Noah to continue building a boat in the midst of the shaming from other people; however, he surrendered His will to God’s by cutting another board and hammering another nail, day after day. Or the courage it took David to forgo armor and choose five pebbles to defeat a giant. Really? Who makes that choice? Or for Christ to select a meager barn for His arrival rather than a four-star palace with all the opulence and elegance it provides?

Understanding God’s will for my own life is a constant struggle; yet, I believe without a shadow of doubt that He can use my faithfulness, even when I attempt to Steal the Pen back from Him and write my own story. Regardless of which season of life we are currently in, whether an emerging adult or a rather seasoned veteran of this world, we are asked to allow what we may consider a Simple Story to be used by God to fulfill His calling and purpose on our life. Personally, the complications only come when I take my eyes off Him and instead focus on what the world deems important. I’m the one who makes life complicated!

Please feel free to share below an experience where a Simple Story had a profound impact, whether it was someone else’s speaking into your life or a life-changing moment that allowed you to refocus your storyline.

References:

Costa, K. (2016). Know your why: Finding and fulfilling your calling in life. W Publishing.

Stanley, C. (2010). In step with God: Understanding His ways and plans for your life. Thomas Nelson.