Living Between the Plot Lines

Most stories have space between various plot lines. We don't usually follow the story minute by minute. There's usually a phrase something like
"Later that day" or
"The next week" or
"Seven years later"

Normal life happens: dishes are done, laundry is washed, gardens are tilled, and so forth. And we usually aren't privy to all the thoughts and feelings of characters as they live through the daily minutia.

We all, as real people, are living in stories. Our stories. And many times our stories have space between the plot lines. Living in the in between times can by hard and confusing. Normalcy can smell like rotten mediocrity. We can feel stuck.

But space in a story doesn't mean there isn't a progression in the story. Jacob needed those seven years he waited to marry Rachel, and then seven again to truly marry her. The Lord used those years to make him into a great shepherd, and to set the stage for the conflict that would ensue with Laban. The story still progressed between the periods and their following capitals.

In the same way God uses the space, the grind of normal living, to develop our story. He builds character in us. He shapes us through people and events. He equips us with skills and giftings. He is always at work, and his presence is always with us. There is no part of our story he neglects to write excellently.

I'm in a place of life where the story is zipping along. But I've lived for many years in between lines.
And I've been reminded about how helpful those times have been. The Lord has been at work. And I'm really thankful for the character, the patience, the perseverance He has given me by walking through that period in life. Oh soul, trust in your king. He will always provide, and he will never forget you.