writing your sequel

So often, I’ll read a book or watch a movie and wish it would never end because it was so engaging and exciting! I wish they’d keep making sequel after sequel. Recently though, I had a revelation about this after reading a review of one of my favorite books. The reviewer said, “By the end [of the story], I found myself longing for more, but realizing that the way I live my life from this point forward will continue to flesh out this story, my story, our story for eternity.”

Wow.

I had to stop and think about that for a while.

I realized what incredible truth was spoken in that one statement and I wholeheartedly agree with it. I don't believe we’re meant to just close a book or finish a movie and say, “That was a great story!” We’re meant to carry that sense of a united, loving family or thrilling adventure into our life, not continuing someone else's story, but writing our own. The excitement doesn’t have to end when we leave a movie theater or return a book to the library.

I believe this is one of the reasons people pay to see an adrenaline-laced action movie or beautiful love story at a movie theater. When we think we can't have a fun or what seems to be a "perfect" life, we start paying money to see others live theirs. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything inherently disgraceful or horrible with watching a movie or TV show every now and then. I'm simply more aware that what we view on the screen can and should become a part of our everyday life.

I admit, not everything in life will be filled with excitement, adventure, and fun all the time. I understand that. But the feelings and the emotions, we can experience in real life, not just in a book or movie. For example, I recently read a fictional book where the main character went on a long journey, discovering truths along the way about her Creator, the world around her, and even herself. I closed that book feeling like I wanted to dive into it and walk that journey with her, no matter how painful and sad because of the impact the story left on me. My eyes were opened even more to how truly deep God is and how many truths and secrets He desires to tell us and have us search for and discover. I observed the relationship this girl had with her heavenly Father and how genuine and pure it was.

I am determined never to let that feeling go. I want that kind of relationship with God. Even though that was a relationship in a fictional book, I believe I can have that in my life. I have learned to look for the truths of the Father just like the girl in the story did. If she could do it, then I believe I can too!

Imagine that you’re living out your own movie or writing your own book, which is essentially what your life is: a story. You're writing your sequel, the story you'll continue after completing that book or movie. You make choices in your life and people are watching, like a movie. Your life is an open book, ready to be written about anything you choose. Are you going to create a story full of love, abundance, kindness, and freedom or one laden with fear, boredom, frustration, and a lack of fun? Do you want people to remember you as full of life and Jesus or depressed and stressed? What do you want your story to be about? It's up to you!