Last week at our bible study, I had to give my life
story. In preparation for this epic personal narrative, I drew a
timeline of my life thus far, consisting of a simple line with several ups and
downs, sharp turns and gradual slopes. In my own mind, I was aware of all the
events that comprised these turning points, but when I initially showed the
picture to Ben, he (who knows me best of all) even inquired about some of the
ascents and descents. After sharing this story of why I am who I am today with
the others in our group, I felt bared but content, like I had just related not
a story of myself, but more importantly (hopefully) painted a depiction of how
awesome God is, of how well He has written my book.
When I got home that night, I chatted with a friend on
the phone and casually mentioned that I had to tell my life story earlier. He
replied that he would like to hear that sometime, a comment that has really
kept me thinking over the past few days. You see, I grew up with this guy and
as a close friend, he has really been present for most of the important points
on my timeline. He saw my high school self party then change allegiance over a
summer, he saw me go off to college and fall in love with Ben, and he even now
goes to my same medical school. Since I have not discussed in depth with him
how God was using these occurrences along the way to change me, to love me more
wholly and bless me so completely, this friend has probably not really been
aware of these super integral, but all important (to me) parts of my story.
Those more reflective truths or my personal perception of what the actual
events in my life stand for, are what make my story, or your story, or anyone’s
story. That is God’s story. And that deserves to be told.
I found myself wanting to ask people I know, even
know really well, to tell me their life story. These conversations probably
need to be had around a table or over a glass of wine, but I truly know that I could
learn more about my God by hearing these depictions of His work.
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