The Gift of Stories
“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24 NIV)
Good stories have been part of my life since I was a young girl. While I am sure there were other books, my favorite memory is of my sister reading Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing out loud to me when I was in third grade. I also remember being obnoxious. The story made me laugh, and I just couldn’t stop. I remember her saying she would have to stop reading if I couldn’t calm down.
My sister doesn’t remember reading that story, planting the seed of a love of reading into me. I think this is because God uses the things that come naturally to us to speak love into others’ lives and plant seeds in them that will one day hold great importance. The gift God used through her that day was her own love of story and the willingness to share not only a favorite book with me, but also the quality time required to read it out loud.
Since the time of that funny story, I have been a reader. Now some of my favorite stories are memoirs, the true stories of other people’s hardships and triumphs. As I have grown both in age and maturity, I have also added many books that are meant to showcase the needs in our world and the ideas of various authors about how those needs can be addressed. A few years ago, I discovered audio books, and fitting in reading became so much easier. I can put my earpiece in and listen while I do chores or walk on the treadmill. I have been able to listen to so many voices that need to be heard right now.
Some Christians say that the only book we need to read is the Bible. Naturally, I do feel that the Bible is the most important book we can read in our lifetimes. Even more than the whole Bible, we need the Gospels and the words of Jesus. However, God created people in his image, and so many of them have immense creativity and talent. They tell stories that speak to us in our time. Each of us has a story to tell, and some of us even have the unique ability to speak on behalf of others who have been through similar experiences.
If I am reading the Bible with no other input, I might walk away thinking it says something it doesn’t. I might misinterpret the Jesus I love and want to follow. Contrarily, when I listen to outside voices, those voices might also lead me away from the Jesus I love. It is a fine line to walk.
Love must be my guide. Does what I am reading make me see or read the Bible with love as the message? What can I learn about the creativity, character, and love of God from current authors and teachers? Sometimes I might put away the extra books and sit with only the Word for a while. But then, I might want to look more deeply at a certain passage or book of the Bible and search for books that can help me interpret it more clearly.
These past few years, I feel like so many seeds have been planted in me through the gifts of many different authors. I feel so blessed that God uses their talents and stories to speak to me and teach me new things or to expound on ideas already in my head and heart. This is one way I choose to grow myself so that I am not only a single seed, but die to myself in order to hear the voices of others so I can share those stories and knowledge with people in my circle.
How are you choosing to let yourself grow and change this year? Is it time for a reset, a look at how you have been spending your time and energy? Is it time to look around you and examine all the faces of Jesus you see? Ask yourself what they might be able to teach you.
Lord, Thank you for all the ways you speak to us, all the people and stories you speak through. Let them teach us more about you, more about what you call us to, and the paths you desire us to walk. Let us see the image of Jesus in each person we interact with and remember that they might have something to teach us about you and your love. Let our hearts be open to learning, Lord. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“For me, to live is Christ. To die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21 NIV)
“Sanctify them by the truth; your Word is truth.” (John 17:17 NIV)
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” (Isa. 61:11 NIV)
Reach for More
Reading books recommended by others showed me that I have so much still to learn. Many of my ideas about life, love, God, and many other things are still forming. For this, I am glad because it seems to me that we can close a door to love when we draw too many hard lines in the sand. Jesus dined with sinners because they needed him. Since we are all sinners saved by grace, I would say we all need each other. We need to sit down together and listen to the voices around us in order to create the loving communities and families we want to be part of.
The beginning of this for me was actually the news headlines of the past few years, which led me to seek out books that opened my eyes to a plethora of issues. Maybe books are eye-opening for you, too. Maybe there is a documentary on the topic that is on your heart. Maybe there is a Facebook group you could join where you can read through the discussion or ask questions. Maybe you have a friend or acquaintance you can ask to chat.
Start somewhere. You won’t regret it.
enjoys a crazy, beautiful life with her military husband, four sons, and a daughter. A toddler interrupts her homeschool days in the best ways, and she is always attempting to live with mindfulness of each moment. She hopes to look at the world and each person in it in light of our amazing Creator, and therefore, to see each moment presented as an opportunity to love and serve him more. Carla relishes time to ponder God’s Word and have quiet moments with him and her coffee. She loves doing life with other mamas and encouraging them to simply be who God has made them to be.
Photograph © Eliott Reyna, used with permission
