Julie and I went to a play once with a young woman who had never been to a play before. When the first act of the play came to an end, our young friend thought that it was time to leave. The house lights came on and she was ready to go home. Leaving at that point, of course, would have made no sense. The conflict in the play had not yet been resolved. The outcome was still in doubt. Even so, our young friend thought that when the lights came on, the play was over.
We explained that what was happening at that point was called "intermission." We told her that there would be another act, a time when the story would come to a satisfying resolution. Even with our explanation, the word "intermission" didn't mean much to her - so we told her that it was like halftime at a football game. Suddenly, she seemed to understand what we were saying.
About a month ago, I looked up the word "vacation" in my dictionary. And I was startled to find the word "intermission" as one of the definitions.
We explained that what was happening at that point was called "intermission." We told her that there would be another act, a time when the story would come to a satisfying resolution. Even with our explanation, the word "intermission" didn't mean much to her - so we told her that it was like halftime at a football game. Suddenly, she seemed to understand what we were saying.
About a month ago, I looked up the word "vacation" in my dictionary. And I was startled to find the word "intermission" as one of the definitions.
I guess it's fair to say that I've been having an intermission for about a month now. On August 26, I started a five-week vacation. Over the past year or so, I had earned some time away that I hadn't taken, and our church graciously allowed me to take much of that earned time away in a single block. It was on that first morning of my vacation that I reached for my dictionary and looked up the word. That probably sounds silly, but I honestly wanted to understand what it was that I was beginning. I found the image of intermission very revealing.
Intermission indicates that there is something before and something after. Intermission is not necessarily exactly in the middle, but it points to an in-between time that is different and distinct.
And this past month has certainly been that.
If you have been following my blog, you have already read some of the stories of the past month. This has been a month of travel. This has been a month of transition. This has been a month of separation and a month of reconnection. Over the past four weeks, I have sent my daughter off to college, I have said some final good-byes to my father, and I have rediscovered my beloved wife. This has been a month of blessing and grace, a month of joy and adventure. This has been a good, good month.
I still have about a week left in my intermission. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about that. I suspect that most people will understand when I say that I really enjoy being on vacation. I like this intermission!
All the same, I realize that vacation cannot last forever. By definition, intermission requires a second act. When the time comes, I'll be ready for that. There are things that need to be done - and I will come back and I will do those things.
At the same time, I won't come back exactly the same. I can't. This time away has changed me. Only time will reveal the extent and significance of that change. But, clearly, the second act is never exactly like the first one. And a good second act brings the story closer to an appropriate ending.
The lights have flashed a couple of times. That means that intermission is just about over. It's time to take our places for the second act.
I'm kind of intrigued to see how this thing plays out . . .
Intermission indicates that there is something before and something after. Intermission is not necessarily exactly in the middle, but it points to an in-between time that is different and distinct.
And this past month has certainly been that.
If you have been following my blog, you have already read some of the stories of the past month. This has been a month of travel. This has been a month of transition. This has been a month of separation and a month of reconnection. Over the past four weeks, I have sent my daughter off to college, I have said some final good-byes to my father, and I have rediscovered my beloved wife. This has been a month of blessing and grace, a month of joy and adventure. This has been a good, good month.
I still have about a week left in my intermission. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about that. I suspect that most people will understand when I say that I really enjoy being on vacation. I like this intermission!
All the same, I realize that vacation cannot last forever. By definition, intermission requires a second act. When the time comes, I'll be ready for that. There are things that need to be done - and I will come back and I will do those things.
At the same time, I won't come back exactly the same. I can't. This time away has changed me. Only time will reveal the extent and significance of that change. But, clearly, the second act is never exactly like the first one. And a good second act brings the story closer to an appropriate ending.
The lights have flashed a couple of times. That means that intermission is just about over. It's time to take our places for the second act.
I'm kind of intrigued to see how this thing plays out . . .