The Big Picture
Do you know what this is??
It may look like a Starbuck’s table, but it’s actually The Big Picture. Here’s proof:
Every now and then, and not nearly often enough, I meet my friend, Cristie, at Starbuck’s in the Valley Forge Barnes & Noble. Cristie is an unusual choice of friend for me simply because she makes me examine those things I usually cram behind thoughts about the weather and books and what’s going to happen next on LOST. She takes my mantra of “ignorance is bliss” and crushes it into dust.
Today was one of those days and she asked me if my life had turned out like I’d thought. I answered with both a yes and a no. And, of course, I’ve thought more about it since our visit and have crystallized my answers.
My personal life is pretty much where I imagined myself when I was a kid – happily married, stay-at-home suburban mom, family pet — the only thing missing is the live-in maid. As far as a career is concerned, I honestly can’t remember what I wanted to be. I vaguely remember thinking about the usual girl careers – nurse, teacher, game show hostess. But I don’t think I ever really wanted to do anything specific.
So I told Cristie the events in my life weren’t exactly what I had thought about while growing up, but I ended up where I wanted to. I demonstrated by pointing out God’s plan for me on the table – it was a straight line from “A” to “B”. Then I showed her the path I took and it was very curvy and curly, but it still ended up at “B”. She did the same thing.
I imagine we can all say the same thing. And I also imagine if I’m at “B” it’s only for a short while. I know God has so much more planned for me and I highly doubt I’ll stay on His path the whole way. But I also know I’ll find my way back to the course He’s set for me.
Leave it to Cristie to see more than just a simple table. In the course of our conversation it became “The Big Picture”. (You should have seen the looks we got while we were taking pictures with our cell phones.) So for the rest of the day I’ve had Deep Thoughts just like Jack Handy. Regardless of whether I’m where I thought I’d be, am I doing what God wants me to? For the most part I think so, though I know I tend to ignore his prompting sometimes just like I do the heavy subjects. I Suppose I need to get over that.
Hmmm, how interesting how your life sometimes parallels mine, Jen. I had a similar conversation with a friend at work today. Makes me think about posting about it…
Can I hang out in the shallow realm a bit?? I would prefer to look at the big picture than to think about the big picture.
We all need a friend or two that makes us stop and think.
Iron sharpening iron. Or maybe “Ephiphany at Starbucks”, lol.
s4j is being silly. she’s actually the one who makes me look at the big picture. when she won’t stop it, i kick her. haha. (kidding… kinda)
Wonderful post.We need friends like Cristie who challenge us to think more introspectively. And I think perhaps it works better when we don’t see them so often …. it seems that those we see daily or weekly sometimes are not as inclined to push as deeply, get under the surface of daily grind. I think it is marvelous that you are where you are. Yes, “Point B” is just a rest stop, a weigh station, a place to pass through on our way. Life is a journey (sound familiar?) without a destination, at least not on this side. We could all improve, but I’d say you’re doing a pretty good job, Jen. 🙂
Thought provoking post Jen!I think I am where I thought I would be as far as family but missed the boat in not becoming a teacher.I love conversations like that. She sounds like an interesting friend. 🙂
Yes, very thought provoking. Interesting how we end up where God wants us to be at the end. His plan is always fulfilled if we let Him lead the way.
I always believe that no matter what I do, or how I get there, it is exactly where I am supposed to be. I have had challenges in the past few years, but I know in my heart I am right where I should be. I believe things happen the way they should no matter if I understand them right now or ever.I love this post!