od is our Father, and He designed us with great intention in His image. Designed us how? Let's take a look...

Human Life is experienced on three planes: Community, Being, & Work.

Long before we can speak or have any awareness of ourselves, as babies we experience the sight, touch, smell, and sound of a mother, father, siblings, and grandparents. Through those closest to us we get our first bearings in the world--in our simple little brains, a sense of belonging is established.  Community is the the first and deepest experience of human life. It's our first need. Who is with me? Who will comfort me in my distress? And usually it's Mom or Dad.

As we grow, we become aware of ourselves as distinct beings apart from our mother, at whose breast we've nursed from the beginning. We realize that she is a separate person whenever we first experience that her will is distinct from mine. We have our own body, our own thoughts, and our own emotions which mom doesn't always share with us. In this way and others as children, we come into an awareness of our own Being, the self. This experience matures into a journey of discovery who we are as individuals. What are we, and what should we become?

Later still, as we get older, we slowly recognize that we are part of a vast world much bigger than ourselves and our own personal experience of it. We long to know, What's the big idea? What are we doing here? What is worth doing in the world? What role do we play in the world? What impact will we have on it? In this way, we venture into a search for meaningful Work.

Community, Being, and Work only make sense with God at their center. This design forms the basic structure of human life, and it is good.

Did you catch that? Each dimension of human life is designed for great purpose and power as it remains connected with God Himself at its center.

Ah, but you say, This cannot be the whole story--there is such great evil, pain, and suffering in the world and in our own lives. What do we make of this if life is a good gift from God?

I will answer this question in Part 2. But suffice it to say that this Big Story does not begin with the problems of the world, but rather with the reality of a good God who designed us with great intentionality: 1) to belong to each other in Community, 2) to be fully formed in our Being, and 3) to Work with great purpose in the world. All of this unfolds through a vital, sustained connection with God Himself. This is real human life.