A Story

In the early days of this pandemic, when I was bemoaning the shortage of groceries at my local shop to my mom, she told me a little story. My grandparents were married during WW2. Some of my grandpa’s brothers were unable to be at the wedding because they were fighting in a war. (At this point, I’m realizing maybe it’s not such a huge deal that Brett is working some long hours.) Several of my grandparents’ friends gifted gasoline rations so grandma and grandpa could drive outside Minneapolis for a honeymoon. (And maybe it’s not an actual tragedy that I can’t find pasta for the week.) After they were married, grandpa returned to his army job in a neighboring state, and grandma stayed behind.

Mom’s simple story tethered me. It connected me to people I love, and offered perspective. Stories are important. They teach us things. They remind us of a broader picture, beyond the borders of our little worlds. Stories soften us and mold us. They change us and make us better.

Scripture is full of stories. There’s a reason Jesus taught in parables, rather than just listing oughts and ought-nots. We remember stories. We see ourselves in the characters. If we are diligent, we learn lessons through story and avoid potential heartaches. The book of Joel opens with a reminder about stories…

Hear this, you elders;

give ear, all inhabitants of the land!

Has such a thing happened in your days,

or in the days of your fathers?

Tell you children of it,

and let you children tell their children,

and their children to another generation.

Joel 1:2-3

Connecting well during this season is a challenge. We’ve lost the sweetness of sitting across a table from a friend, of face-to-face meetings, of hugs and handshakes. But we haven’t lost our stories. Do you have a story you could share today with a friend? Maybe you could recall a shared experience you particularly loved? Some of my girlfriends have been sharing little stories we remember from childhood. Around the dinner table tonight, we could talk about times we’ve seen God at work in our family. Or if you have children at home, you could take time to tell a favorite memory of yours from when you were young. If you don’t have kids, maybe you could send a card to a special child in your life telling them a funny story that’s happened to you. Or tell a friend or loved one a story about someone you admire, and why.

I believe God is giving us many ways to redeem this season, and maybe story could be one. Everybody has a story to tell. I’m looking forward to sharing a few of mine today!

Warmly,

Kate