The Story of My Life

We’ve all experienced this scenario: You’re in a meeting at work, or listening to a sermon at church, or attending a workshop or classroom lecture. The speaker is sharing information, concepts, theories, doctrines.  It’s interesting. We determine he’s a good speaker, or an average speaker, or we’re downright bored.  Then to illustrate a point, he begins to speak personally, from the heart.  It may be a heartbreaking story, a funny situation, an extraordinary happening, or an ordinary moment… it doesn’t matter. 

At the moment when a speaker turns to a personal story, something happens in the room – a holy hush. People look up from their paper, or book, or cell phone. They make eye contact with the speaker. They stop what they are doing and listen, drawn in by the story. Now they know the speaker in a new way, maybe even regret their first impression judgement. Why is that? Because a life is gift, a story captivating, someone risking vulnerability breathtaking. When these moments happen, we are changed, the storyteller is changed, and our hearts are open, connected, and alive to possibility.

Story is holy ground. Life is divine gift. Honoring and embracing the past, present and future life is our greatest calling. In our story, in our life, we find God. As St. Augustine prayed, “Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee.” Until we fully receive all that life has offered us as gift, we will find it difficult to experience “abundant life.”

Consider your own life story. How do you feel about telling your story — resistant, encouraged, excited, curious, shy? What challenges or obstacles (internal or external) arise as you consider how and where to begin gathering up your story? If you are reflecting on the parts and pieces of your life, and would like to process that story with a spiritual director, connect with me and let’s talk about the possibility of “abiding together” and finding the places where God has met you along the journey.