Story time

My life is storytelling. I believe in stories, in their incredible power to keep people alive. –Tim O’Brien

Grab a cuppa and a cookie, sit back and relax. I’d like to tell you a story of the compassionate faith of a child.

Ross was a quiet, thoughtful four-year-old with deep blue eyes. While other children built castles out of blocks or cooked pretend banquets, Ross preferred to make things with little plastic blocks. One morning around Easter, I sat down with him as he was busy working and asked him what he was making. His answer took me aback.

“Well . . . I’m makin’ the cross that Jesus died on.”

He knew the whole story, beginning to end. I listened in wonder; after all, this was a public school classroom. Jesus doesn’t often show up there. But this little child was leading the way, and he had me spellbound.

Sometime later, I told Ross’s mother about this encounter. Her face grew thoughtful as she told me she could hardly keep up with her gentle, curious child who wanted to learn more: about God, about Jesus—about Love.

Then she told me what happened on Holy Saturday, at bedtime. Ross had said his prayers, but seemed even more thoughtful than usual. “What’s on your mind?” she asked.

Tears welled up in Ross’s eyes. He spoke softly. “Well,” he said, “I’m thinkin’ about the cross. And—it—it would’ve been a lot nicer . . . if we had used Scotch tape instead of nails.”

What’s your story?

This week, let’s talk about stories that shape our faith.

Monday What story do you remember from your childhood that even today, you could practically tell from memory? Find a child—and share. Genesis 6:9-22

Tuesday Are you a journal writer? Today, consider writing about your day as a story. Go ahead—begin with Once upon a time. . . . 1 Samuel 17:32-40

Wednesday Today is a great day for listening. Ask someone else to tell you a story—and really listen. Give thanks. 1 Kings 19:9-13

Thursday Think about making a trip to a library. What kinds of books (or books on CD) are your favorites? Will you choose a familiar book or a new one? Jonah 1:1-12

Friday As you read today’s passage (below), pause and see how many of these people’s stories you remember. Rest in prayer. Matthew 1:2-16

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, pause and give thanks for the people in your life whom you remember with fondness, as people who believed in you. If they are still alive, consider a note or a call. John 5:1-14

Sunday The original purpose behind stained glass windows was to tell the stories of our faith without using words. Meditate today on the many beautiful stories surrounding us during worship Give thanks for the artists and visionaries. Matthew 17:14-18

Nobody is a villain in their own story. 

We’re all the heroes of our own stories. –George R. R. Martin