January 14, 2022

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:14)

Among Shakespeare’s most famous lines is “All the world’s a stage; / And all the men and women are merely players.” (As You Like It). He then describes the seven stages of human life, from infancy to the second childhood of old age.

I read this not as fatalistic or deterministic, but as hopeful and comforting. That is because a play has both an author and a stage director. Every day I am exceedingly thankful that I am not the author and director of my own play. That play would be a tragedy. What freedom to be relieved of charting my own course, making up my own rules, deciding what is “best” for me. All of that is given to us, revealed in Scripture and the Word made flesh, and directed by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For Guidance – BCP)