I stare out the window at hundreds of dead leaves on my neighbor’s sycamore, clinging, fluttering, spiraling down. Life is so much more messy and beautiful than if I were in charge.
Take seasons, for example. If it were up to me, I would probably schedule the trees a little more precisely as to when they turn color and drop their leaves. They would fall all at once, stripping every branch clean and making for easy yard cleanup.
It’s all about the to-do list, right?
Not so much. God is not utilitarian; He is an artist.
Creation is less God’s project to maintain and more His symphony to compose.
Even in a world twisted and broken by sin, the strains of heavenly music can be heard for those with ears to hear.
What is true in nature is true in our lives.
Intricate rhythms and complex, interwoven parts make the music rich and multi-layered. If you listen to certain movements apart from the rest of the score, they sound dissonant and jarring. Taken with the whole piece, they offer contrast and allow the lighter movements to lift you higher.
Every day, the Composer invites us to the dance.
Every day, He offers His hand and says, “Shall we?” We have the choice to let Him lead or decline. What are we waiting for?
A different score? (I don’t like the sound of this piece You are composing.)
A better dance partner? (I’m not sure I trust You enough to follow.)
A sense of control? (I’ll sit this one out, thanks.)
We aren’t in charge of our own lives any more than we are in charge of scheduling the seasons of nature. And yet, gracious suitor that He is, God gives us a choice. He writes the score as He wills, but He doesn’t push us onto the dance floor.
The symphony is what it is. Whether or not you dance is up to you.
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