Living a great story…
This weekend I finished Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (Thomas Nelson). For anyone that has read this book, that first sentence opens a conversation that could last for hours. Filled with a plate-full of food for thought, I am still thinking about this book. Am I living my story worth telling? Do I have a great story unfolding? These are questions that are heavy for me. I have a deep desire to do good with my life and to love those around me greatly.
Donald Miller tells a great story throughout this book aka journey. It is an easy read because of his great use of voice, humor and detail. This is one of those books that are filled with “ah” moments — you know the reaction you have when you read something and you stop reading to just sit there and go “wow” — yes this book had many of those moments for me. The last chapter of the book Donald talks about how in Ecclesiastes, the main advice about living a meaningful life is:
“…to find a job you like, enjoy your marriage, and obey God. It’s as though God is saying, Write a good story, take somebody with you, and let me help.”
I read A Million Miles after I had finished Same Kind of Different as Me — another book that really touched me. I see a common thread of wanting to do something beyond myself with my life, reaching out and loving others. My husband and I talk about this often how we just want to live outside of ourselves and not be self-consumed. We want to live a great story – a story that God will be pleased with when all is said and done.
Thinking about those around me that are editing their stories on a daily basis, I’m inspired: Jeremy Cowart and the Help-Portrait team, now if that isn’t a great story – The Classic Crime and their passion for Haiti giving all proceeds of their pre-sale to Jesus in Haiti Ministries – Jeremy & Adie Camp and their Speaking Louder Ministries – Our friend Philip Peters who painstakingly loves on the Haitians and has for years – Another friend Ryan Lampa who started People Loving Nashville, a group of 20-somethings loving on the homeless community in downtown – Those working with Global Support Mission in Uganda build a future for the community – My college mentor(s) Jennifer and Joel Johnson who minister to college students at Kansas State University with Student Mobilization – My mom and dad who love on those around them to the point of extreme self-sacrifice. I’m honored to know and work with these individuals who are living examples of Christ’s love.
I encourage you to go out and grab this book – and start living a great story with a large purpose.
~Lori