I had meditated on a passage from Lamentations a few months ago with a friend and out of it came the realization that I had been trying to fit God into a box, a small one. My main understanding from that day was a more clear description of what God is and more importantly what God is NOT. After this time spent honing in on the Holy Spirit and exploring the emotions stirred up from our reading, this very wise and wonderful woman suggested that it might help to write my own story. That piece of advice was certainly needed for while we were meeting I had also seen that I was lacking any sort of story. I was lacking substance that helped me reminisce on where I had been and there was clearly no direction in where I was to be going. My sweet friend said, “it might be a good start to revisit the story of Jonah and imagine what he may have done next following the belly of a big fish and the rescue of Nineveh per God’s request. Finish his and then begin your story.” So, that is just what I did.
My dear friend Jonah-
Oh, how you were left with quite the question. Did our Lord God make you think when he asked if he should pity his people and the city of Nineveh? He makes me think, constantly. You know how he asked you, “Does it do you well to be angry?” He asked me the same thing. What did you do when he asked? What was your response? I had to sit and really pray and meditate on it.
Are you staying in Nineveh? It seems like a great place now that they’ve listened to God and turned from their ways. Maybe since the turn of events you can be still and content there? Although, I have a feeling you ventured on. I can tell you’re a wanderer-a vagabond. The Lord used you to speak into a city turned away from God and now you’ve gone to the next journey. Do you get angry nowadays? Do you look back at the time you were once swallowed up and then spit back out?
I bet you moved on and your anger subsided. But, I am sure something else got under your skin. There is always something, right? Hopefully from what you have experienced you look at things a little different. I hope that the Lord at least filled you with the wisdom to look towards Him rather than to run away. I know I often get upset and sometimes even though I know what I’m supposed to do, I choose the alternative. I sit under a tree and pout. Then the tree withers away and I must press onward, again. I am sure like everyone else you imagined life going differently and, then come to find out the Lord’s will works much better.
I say this to you as encouragement and hopefully I will listen to my own advice. I pray that where you end up is greater than where you began and that the journey along the way makes sure of that. Thank you for your story. Please pray for mine.
God speed brother,
Your sister [Who does not do well to be angry]
I suppose his story turned into a letter, however, I feel that’s how mine should be written as well. I accomplish greater language from God in writing notes to those I wish to convey a feeling or thought. It was during this time of reflection and response that I began to see a new chapter unfold and like Jonah, I could no longer hide. I have always looked at life as a book with chapters to end and new to begin. Perhaps, I had run into some blank pages along the way. Go write your story. Allow God to be the Editor. Thanks Meg.