We pull up to the stop light on Camelback Road and all of us - my friend Kelly behind the wheel, Murielle in the back seat and I – turn our heads to the left at the same time and put pause on the swirling conversation and laughter. In a moment of silence, our eyes glue to the yellow convertible pulled up next to us. We watch the man at the wheel and the woman seated next to him wearing the fur-lined hood looking straight ahead through the entire span of the red light.
It’s a typical December afternoon in Phoenix, sun shining us squinty, cerulean sky sans clouds, and cool, dry air. But it seems odd to see someone covered up in a parka driving with the top down.
And just like the parts in a symphony, we tell their story the way we see it as if cued by a director holding a baton. Each of us shares a unique version of color, dialogue, and feelings for our own made-up version of their story. A sporadic tragic comedy spurred on while sitting in traffic.
I do this a lot. It’s the writer in me. Make up stories in my mind about the stark white-skinned Minnesotans carrying sand toys and umbrellas past me on the beach. Or create a drama about the teenager reacting to her mother in the dressing room at Forever 21.
Maybe it comes from sitting for hours at makeup counters in department stores as a child while my mother bought an entire line of new skin care. Watching people around me and then making up their stories to pass the time.
But after we tell the tale of the miserable couple in the yellow convertible, each line more absurd and humorous than the last, I wonder if it isn’t easier to lose ourselves in the story of someone else than to live the one God gave us.
I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
~Jeremiah 29:11, The Message
What a wonderful reminder. I sometimes think my story is not as good as others and no one can benefit from it. The truth is God has given me my story for a reason and that is the case for all of us.
Cimarron, I think we all feel that way from time to time, no matter what our circumstances. So glad to see you in the comment box. Happy New Year my friend!
I can identify. When life gets hard, I sometimes retreat behind a book and take a vacation from reality. But the plans for us are good, a needed reminder.
Blessings on 2012,
Gayle from Behind the Gate
I think it is common, losing ourselves in something to avoid the pain. It’s when most of our mental energy goes there, instead of living the life He gave us that we have a problem! Blessing to you too, for a happy new year.
We were neighbors at the WWHW list this week. I do the same thing, that making up stories for the people around me at a cafe or stoplight. You make a good point; it is “easier to lose ourselves in the story of someone else than to live the one God gave us.” Thanks for that correction. Grace and peace to you in Jesus!
Glad we were neighbors and you left a comment. As writers, we are always finding the story, no matter where we are. Blessings!
I wonder what crazy stories people concoct about me some days. 🙂
So, so glad your voice is in the community again this week, my friend. xxoo
Yeah, me too! Hopefully there even better than the real one. ha! Hope your feeling better.
It’s so easy to get caught up in other people’s stories - the ones both real and imagined. I understand too; the writer in me can easily ascribe backstories and characterization. Of course, as you so aptly point out, I want to live the one story He has given me to live. And I want to live this story with integrity, ever-pointing to the One who has redeemed my life.
I love your blog. The title. The writing. The heart. Your blog is one of my new favorites. I’m so glad to have “met” you. I look forward to reading and learning more from you in 2012.
Wow Denise, you know how to make a girl smile. Thank you so much. It is a privilege to have you reading, really! Look forward to what 2012 has in store.