Good Endings

As previously mentioned, I like to read the last few pages of a novel first. I need to know that everything turns out well. But there are authors I trust enough to save the ending for the end. I don't trust them because they write predictable books. I trust them because they write with integrity. They and the books they write are trustworthy.

Sometimes, like in the case of Jan Karon who writes a series, there are loose ends. I trust that at some point down the line, those loose ends will be tied up.

Why is this on my mind tonight? Because last night my ex-husband stood with his wife and told me that he's losing his battle against cancer. This is a man who after years of anguish has finally pulled his life together. He's serving God faithfully after fighting against him. He's found love again with a wonderful woman. He's been an intentional father.

My heart is breaking for my kids and his wife. He's dealing with the situation heroically. There's no self pity. No bitterness. He may be afraid, but he's not showing any fear. But I could see last night that his wife was beside herself with fear that she's going to lose him. My kids don't know yet, but they will be devastated.

The end of this story doesn't make sense to me. I think that Mike and Deb should live happily ever after. I think that Mike should have many years ahead to love and serve God. I think that he should be an on-going part of my kids lives.

This is where the trustworthiness of the Author comes in. We know the ending of the Metanarrative is glory. Love wins out. Justice is served. Tears are wiped away. In this smaller narrative, somehow one day everything will make sense. Rather than mystification and grief we will be praising God for his perfect, loving plans. Until we get to that day, we'll just have to trust in the trustworthiness of the Author.