the arc

I'm reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller. In it he talks about what makes a good story- a strong narrative arc, compelling characters, conflict, transformation. He uses this image to talk about how we often fail to see God as a master storyteller. We look at a minuscule fraction of the manuscript, read a line or a paragraph, a chapter at most, and wonder why the story stinks, lacks resolution, leans toward pain and injustice. But, when you see the whole narrative arc? IT ALL MAKES SENSE.

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I never put written words to the impetus of the pain I experienced last summer. It was heartbreaking and too much for me to quite fathom at the time. I am thankful, so immensely thankful, to be a year away from it. Here is the gist: my employer screwed me. Cruelly. I was forced out, but not before I was put through the ringer over and over again. My boss lied, manipulated, and disregarded any semblance of kindness. I will never again take for granted working with leaders worth following.

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This week I received news that my proposal has been approved: my schedule will shift and now, two days a week, I will work from the flexibility of home, while Alice naps. My current boss advocated for me, believed in me, said she didn't want to "lose" me. She met with the uppity ups, went all the way to the top, drafted emails and letters on my behalf. She proved herself a leader over and over again.

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I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways...but I am sure it bends towards justice. (Theodore Parker)