Our Story

Our Story--

We must see more than our own story.  Those words were spoken by our pastor Sunday morning.  See more than our story.  Hearing those words made me pause and think.  Actually, they forced me to reflect on my own life.  On my way of looking at the world and the people in it.

My story has many chapters.  Growing up on a farm in Arkansas, college, marrying the guy on the neighboring farm, moving, moving, moving.  Having a son.  Continuing my career in several states.  Watching our son grow up and move on through college and law school.  Being joyful when he found the person to spend his life with.  Grandchildren.  Lovely, sweet, spirited, normal kids.

Of course there is much more to the story.  My life has many sides.  So does yours.  All those sides make us who we are.  Some of it good.  Some of it better.  A little worse.  And some delightful.  As long as we are alive, we add new chapters to our story.

Is it possible that we make a judgment on others due to the one story we know about them?  Absolutely.  It takes a little time and energy to delve into another person's story.  We have to listen.  Maybe ask a few non threatening questions.  Show genuine interest in learning what makes them tick.  So much easier to see that one side.  So less work.  But, we do ourselves such an injustice when we make an assumption and then move on.  We never gain insight into the real person.  We only see that one side that everyone else sees.

Certainly our story includes our families and career.  But, more than that, I think this is about investing energy in knowing others.  Realizing that everyone has multiple layers.  Some folks hold their true story close to their heart.  There is no need or want to share.  At least to every person who comes into view.  Trust must first be established before we divulge our true story.  Often we do that deep sharing with one or two.  We are careful and cautious about our lives.  That is a very good thing.  Not everyone is trustworthy.  As we spend time with another person, we learn who they are especially if they share a bit more deeply from their own story.

As we come to know another planet walker, we see the depth of their lives.  We are allowed to see their joys and sorrows.  We are privileged to hear about their failures and disappointments.  And we feel a little less fearful about sharing our own warts.  We have a knowledge down deep within our soul that this person is a gift given to us.  A gift that we must treasure.

When we are out doing what we do and meeting people, realize that they have multiple stories.  They are layers of experiences and beliefs.  Give a little slack to those who annoy.  Perhaps they have reason to be cranky.  We are all a little cranky at times.  Understand that we are seeing one side of their life. One piece of their puzzle.  And they are seeing the same in us.

We get to write our own story.  Everyday.  Every minute.  When my story seems frivilous, I have the power to move toward more meaning.  So do you.  When our time is over on this planet, our story will remain.  In fact, it is all that will remain.  What do we want our story to be?

I think I have a little work to do!  Want to make the sides of my story full of meaning and fun.  How about you?