If I had a single request for those I work with it would be this; “tell me your story.” I realize that might sound strange, voyeuristic, or at least unusual, however hear me out. Frustration is often born out of the gap between how one is acting and what one should know. Said another way, when someone acts in a way that contradicts my expectations and assumptions, frustration and annoyance often show up. If I knew the story, I would have an opportunity to start where we meet.
The three questions I would love to ask.
What is your story?
Given where you have come from and now are at the moment, where do you want to be?
What is the greatest risk (fear) to your story?
As I think of the people in my life, it is a question that shows up often. What is your story? Even as I form the question in my mind, another asked me for my answer. I did not expect to be on the stage so quickly! Initially I was not sure how I would frame the answer. As I have shared pieces of it, the central themes of the story are beginning to come into focus.
I am who I am by the experiences and journeys in my life. I have been shaped, transformed, and molded by them. There are defining moments and defining relationships. Both are important if one wants to understand the story.
I have had great moments as well as moments I wish were different. From both I have come away with lessons and learnings that continue to change me from the inside out.
I have a love and relationship for God that is uniquely my own. While I am happy to share, I also value the unique relationship God has with you. My story may add color to yours but it will never be yours. Part of this chapter includes “the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs.” (Psalm 22.22)
Stories are the key to more.
