STORY STONE

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . . we will be changed. 1 Cor. 15:52

And we were, in a moment, forever changed.

Everyone has them: defining moments that set or change the course of one’s life. Some just pass by with such subtlety that they are barely noticed, like choosing chemistry third period instead of American history where you will eventually meet a lifelong friend. Those moments are the finely etched lines in the story stone of life.

Then there are the defining moments that happen with such force that you have no choice but to take immediate notice. There is no eventually to those moments. They instantly become crevices--not lines--that add the depth to the story stone of your life. And while finely etched lines may be “adjusted” or carved over, these crevices are there to stay. And we are given a choice: Will we choose to find the beauty in the depth?

A deep crevice was carved in my stone on July 4, 2012.

That day held so much promise.

What could have been better than a day on the lake celebrating our favorite holiday with all of my children and grandchildren? Today, 38 days later, I know that a lot of scenarios could have been better. I don’t doubt that maybe in 1038 days, I will have crawled out of that deep crevice to see a glimpse of the bigger picture; but there will be no crawling out today.

Today I will have to live by faith and just believe without seeing that there is truly a bigger, more beautiful picture. And that is all I can do.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1