One benefit of living in a university town, where the academic calendar influences all of our other calendars, is the opportunity to start over throughout the year. Whereas, we all begin again in January, in a university town, we begin again each semester. It is a rhythm, which gives us a chance to reflect on our lives, create goals, and to live intentionally whether we are starting new classes or not.
As we begin again this fall, we can reflect on the stories of our lives. Each of our lives tell a story about our values, purpose, and goals. Peter Hughes, Vicar of King’s Cross Church in London, reminds us, “The story you live in is the story you live out.” We all write the story of our lives based on the main stories we hold close.
If we live into the story of Jesus then we will live out of that story as well. We will live out the story of God’s love! The story of Jesus can shape the story of our lives, which is also the story of the church. We find assistance and support from the church for living into the story of Jesus, so the story of Jesus can fully shape the story we live out.
The church enlarges our story because it widens our understanding of God’s love, grace, and calling. It makes room for others, and it helps us consider the perspective of others. It enlarges our story through fellowship, Bible study, service, celebration, mission, worship, prayer, community, and friendship. These are the ways in which the story of Jesus shapes the story of our lives!
As we begin again, we can begin to notice this happening. We can participate intentionally in these practices and gatherings through the life of the church, finding support and assistance as we hold the story of God’s love close. Our stories are enriched in untold ways as we make room for the story of the church!
-Tripp