A while ago someone suggested that I change the title of my blog since I was already in the Next Chapter — I should get settled and live in it. I thought about that, and I almost changed it. But, you know, I am beginning to think that life is a series of next chapters. I know, I know, this is not a new metaphor. I’ve even used it before in this blog (My Life is a [fairly] Open Book)! I wouldn’t want to overuse it, but I’m thinking, if it’s a good metaphor, it’s a good metaphor, right?
I love books. My idea of bliss is a day with no commitments, a steady rain, a warm cuppa in one hand, and a satisfying book in the other. I love to get lost in story, to meet characters, to see their crises, and to watch them resolve — or not. And why do I like this? I mean, most of the books that I read are not true….
I’m wondering if it has something to do with wondering about my own story. I mean I am many, many chapters into this book, but I have no idea what is coming next. The Author keeps creating plot twists and introducing new characters. And then, just when I think we have moved on from one plot line, there it is again! And characters that I thought I’d left way back in chapter thirteen or fourteen show up in chapter forty-seven — and they have changed!!
In books there may be plot twists, but they are confined within a boundary of 200 or 300 or, ok, 700 pages. If I keep reading long enough, I will find out what happens in the end.
That’s going to happen in my own story, too, I know…but I’m not very anxious to get to the end. So, even though I’d like some closure, I don’t really want closure. You know what I mean?
I don’t know about you, but there are a few books I have read over and over again, even though I know how they are going to end! What’s up with that? It’s the same way with movies! I will never get tired of watching Sweet Home Alabama or The Shawshank Redemption. Never.
Yet there are many chapters in my own story that I wouldn’t want to think about again, let alone see again. I think it’s safe to say that middle school is one of those chapters. Now, I wouldn’t reliving the births of each of my babies again — really, I’m serious. What scenes those were — true miracles right from my own pages. I wouldn’t mind rewriting a few chapters, though, especially those where I was cranky, or selfish, or just plain mean. But the pages in life’s book only turn one way.
So, I moved to Michigan over a year ago to start a new chapter. Am I still in the same one? I have no idea, I can’t make out the page numbers. I am enjoying the story. The characters continue to amaze me. The plot has its ups and down and even a few twists and turns to keep it interesting.
So, maybe I should change the title after all. I could call it Kristin’s Next ChapterS. Nah, I’ll stick with what I’ve got.
Jeremiah 29:11 Rathje Revised Version
For I know what’s on the next page, and it’s nothing to be afraid of,
I’ve been planning good things for you, and the end of the story has already been written.
Next Chapter 