What’s Your Story

Across generations and cultures, a common experience is storytelling. In every culture and age in history, you will find that people have gathered to remember and share stories–sometimes fiction, sometimes real life, and often something in between.

Some of my fondest memories are times of sitting around a table with my immediate family, my brothers, and my parents to retell the stories of our childhood. My own children ask to hear stories of our lives, too, because our family story becomes part of their story. For some stories, we all share the same collective memory. At other times, however, I am surprised how differently we recall the same event, each person having a different interpretation and feelings about it.

We cannot anticipate or control some of what happens to us in life. What we can control is the narrative, the story, that follows. I can choose to tell a story that the world is against me, that I am a victim when things are difficult. Or I can choose to tell the story of experiences and how I learned and grew through them. I can see each step as part of a journey to the person God is shaping me to be.

One of the beauties of faith in Jesus rests in knowing that our story is not our own. We are part of God’s big story, right here at this moment in history, and He is good. Every experience, good or bad, I can entrust to Him to use for His glory and rest in knowing that He is in control. If you are familiar with Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50, you know that Joseph encountered one difficult situation after another, and yet he knew that ultimately what man intended for evil, God intended for good to accomplish His purposes.

As we begin to close this school year, we have many experiences to reflect upon. Some of our dear friends will be transitioning to new things. We have said difficult goodbyes and welcomed new people into our community. We have laughed; we may have cried or argued. We have had big problems and small problems. We have learned from mistakes and successes.

So, while you look back over this year, consider the story that you will tell. Ask God to show you where He has been at work in you. Gather with people you appreciate and care about. Share the memories, tell the stories, and enjoy the beauty of these special moments.