Sitting on the Sidelines
I used to be quite comfortable in the spotlight. In my theater days, the warm glow of the stage was a secure place to sing, dance, and tell stories. Whether I had only a few lines or an entire solo, it was a privilege to stand in front of a crowd. Though I have limits on how much attention I enjoy, it was uplifting to have a significant role in the show and the encouragement of an audience.
That season of life is now on pause and I find myself more frequently in the wings. In addition to being out of the literal spotlight, I’ve watched friends and family have their moments and milestones while waiting for my own. As they celebrated marriages and anniversaries, I walked through divorce. We rejoice together with each new baby, new home, and new job promotion, even though those have yet to happen for me. Our human tendency to compare tempts me to look at the success of other authors and scrutinize how many books I’ve sold or how many social media connections I’ve accumulated. Often, it seems like everyone around me is in the game while I sit on the sidelines until it’s my turn.
But here’s the thing- it’s ok. It’s even good. There’s more reason for hope than despair when we are on the sidelines. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” A time for the spotlight, a time for the sidelines. Additionally, we are never alone there. Jesus promises to be with us always in Matthew 28:20. David points out that no matter where we are, God is there:
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 139:7-12
If God is present when we feel forgotten, left behind, or insignificant, that means He has a purpose for us in that time, place, and situation.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
The perspectives we gain, the empathy we develop, and the benefits of our place on the sidelines uniquely position us to be part of God’s phenomenally detailed and good plan.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Personally, I have already seen God’s hand in the details of my life. He has used my story to relate to and encourage others. I’ve had the ability to serve in specific ways as a single person. The city where I live, the people that I know, and the timing of my life events- big and small- are all filled with purpose. As we peel back layers of questions, impatience, and disappointment, we reveal gifts we didn’t realize had been there all along.
I may not be a best-selling author, but I have a story to tell. Scratch that. We have stories to tell. We sit together on the sidelines, providing the experience and perspective needed to explore our journeys here. We can look at what God is doing and discover the goodness of His purpose. We’ll also find encouragement and wisdom along the way. Though we might be feeling alone as we begin, we are soon to discover a great sidelines community.
I’m listening to your stories, and I’ll be frequently sharing some here.
Additionally, there’s a book in the works that explores narratives we may have overlooked and forgotten, but God certainly remembers. Together, we’ll look through the Lord’s point of view and see that a spotlight isn’t what we thought. There’s more to be discovered in the wings.