Wait, There's More! Growing With Scripture

My extended family had a Christmas tradition. It brought all of us, all ages, together. After our Christmas feast was finished, we’d all cram into my aunt and uncle’s family room and watch the latest Disney release together.

As the eldest great, great grandchild, I was in my early university years when the tradition was going strong. There is something deep in sharing laughter and tears together, as a family. If you’ve ever watched a Disney movie, you know that they manage to incorporate story lines and humour for children and adults.

I can still remember one of my younger cousins standing up indignantly demanding to know what’s so funny? Some Robin Williams jokes are not translatable to a five year old! Now, that cousin watches the same movie with their five-year-old child.

I am fascinated by things that hold meaning and understanding beyond a specific age, time, and person.

There are Bible passages and scripture stories that speak so differently depending on how old we are and the circumstances of our lives when we read them. Beautifully, there are passages that have spoken to me in different ways over my years and experiences. In particular, Psalm 139, specifically verses 13-16. 

As a grade school child, interested in medical school, I wondered about being knit together; being made in a secret place and being woven together in the depths of the earth. In my high school years, there was some solid reassurance that I was created and my days were already ordained for me. While I didn’t know what career path to follow, or even who I was - I knew that God did.

As a mother, I marvelled again. To think through the mystery of my child’s life being created. That there would be some amazing days and times that I’d get to witness firsthand, that already fit into God’s plan. As a grieving mother after the loss of my son, I have some solid comfort knowing that each day was ordained before his first breath came. That despite my pain, I still don’t need to “get it” because I have a God who does. Who is, and has been, right there with me from before my beginning.

This one passage alone has spoken to me in so many ways. My understanding and how I come to the passage changes. Our God doesn’t. Those words were prepared in such a way that they speak across time. I take great comfort knowing that our job here is merely to do the work that’s been outlined for us to do and the rest will fall into place.

I hold that we learn best from each other. I’m curious: What are your passages that have changed with time?