For over a decade, construction of the Big Dig disrupted Boston. The massively complex and expensive infrastructure project had the lofty goals of improving not just mobility through the city, but revitalizing it. One major aspect of the project included reconnecting downtown to the waterfront by submerging six lanes of elevated Interstate 93 bridges underground, and creating 17 acres of greenspace in the heart of the city where the bridges existed.
During the Big Dig’s design and construction, there were constant stories of massive cost overruns, faulty materials, mismanagement, unforeseen engineering obstacles, and ever-changing detours for commuters as traffic was continually rerouted. The focus appeared to constantly be on the mess and troubles that plagued the project.
However, in the final episode of WGBH’s podcast The Big Dig, host Ian Cross states that thanks to the perspective of twenty years since its completion, the project actually delivered on its promises to transform the city. Drive times through the city have been slashed significantly; people actually want to live and work downtown near the greenspace now. But if you know anything about the Big Dig, it’s probably about the problems or how expensive it was to complete.
Cross says what got lost along the way was “the vision; the story. Because perception matters. The narrative matters … If we can’t tell the story of what we’re doing – if the public doesn’t feel part of it – then the best plans and contracts won’t be worth the paper they’re written on.”
After healing a man possessed by demons, Jesus tells him, “Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19, Message). Tell them your story about the joy you’re experiencing despite all of the trouble you’ve been through.
Because stories allow people to make connections to their own lives.
Because stories tap into people’s hearts and minds.
Because stories can inspire hope and give someone a reason to endure.
We are all under spiritual construction, with a seemingly constant stream of difficulties, detours, and unforeseen obstacles. And as followers of Christ, if we choose to focus on what’s wrong with the world around us, but fail to tell our own story about what Christ’s love, mercy and grace have done for us personally, we won’t win many hearts and minds.
If we focus on the mess, we might miss the success.
What stories are you telling?
Photo credits: The Greenway Conservancy, Skanska USA