The one where dad timed it out wrong

Storytelling is the act of creating or re-creating a reality with words, images, ideas, etc. 

____________

I remember when I was young, coming home from some family outing and my dad saying, with a little nervousness and panic to his voice, that he had to the use the restroom really badly and for everyone in the car to make way for him when we pulled in the driveway.

When the car stopped, he jumped out and sped up to the front door as quickly as he possibly could, fumbling with the keys, finally getting the door to open - all while saying "I'm gonna make it, I'm gonna make it".

He dashed across the living room, down the hall, and into the bathroom, his voice rising with each step. "I'm gonna make it, I'm gonna make it". 

And as the bathroom door swung shut behind him, all we heard was, "OOOooh nooooo, I didn't make it!"

I can still see the movie in my head to this day, though it's lost some of its details over the years. For what ever reason, that's a memory that stuck with me.

___________

As clearly as I remember that story and as concisely as I've recounted it to you, I know from the limited detail I've given, there's no way you can know that story or remember it or see it the way I have seen it and remember it.  

It's the nature of stories. They can be powerful in sharing information.  They are necessary for passing on vital and important information.  But they're always limited in how well they can relay details accurately.

Even the best of filmmakers are limited in what they can recreate on screen and it's the same for us with words and stories or information we want to share.

And, not every hears or tells a story in the same way since we all hear stories and tell stories having remembered or chosen details by what seems more important to us.

If I were to have asked my mom or my siblings about the story with my dad messing his pants, they'd either have a different set of details about that moment or possibly no memory of it at all

___________

We live in a world of story—some stories we tell to ourselves, other stories come from people, groups, large and small organizations, countries, cultures, etc.

There's no end to them. And that's good because it's how we learn.  It's how we make sense of the world around us and of the life we're living.

And that's why it's important to consider the stories you listen to and believe. They have amazing power to shape everything.

I can be facing a situation in life and tell myself that “I can’t” and then back it up with a subconscious story or a story someone else tells me that provides me with the evidence I’m looking for.

And vice versa, I can face a similar situation and decide "I want to" and then back it up with a subconscious story or a story I hear from someone that gives me to motivation to make it happen.

Cynical people will always look for stories to back up why everything is always wrong. Positive people, likewise. And the same with everyone in between and along any other spectrum of seeing people and life.

The story we tell ourselves everyday, deep down, shapes our life and others’ lives through a ripple effect.

Choose your stories wisely.

____________

God is regularly mad at me vs. God loves me more than I know.

My sins are forgiven only when I ask for it vs. my sins were all forgiven at the cross, permanently.

The most important thing to do is church stuff vs. the most important thing is to trust and depend on God.

I need to feel pressure to work for God all the time vs. I can trust God will guide me into whatever is best.

If I'm not giving $$$/time to church God's not gonna bless me vs. he's already provided everything I need.

I need to act based on what I think other people expect God's people to act vs. that's just stupid, so no.

Jesus favors people who are from a certain slice of life vs. "For God so loved the world".

God demands/requires our worship/worship services vs. God wants me to walk in relationship with him.

You need to prioritize church time/activities vs. you're the salt of the earth/light of the world.

"I hope I make it to heaven, we'll see." vs. you are already seated in the heavenly realms with God.

"Work hard, do right, be a good person and God will save you" vs. "it is by grace you have been saved".

Let the pastor/leaders of a church guide your spiritual journey vs. keep in step with the Spirit.

____________

Obviously, the list of comparison stories could go on and on.  And it should.  Regularly.  

Always ask yourself what story you're following or believing at the moment. Sometimes you can switch gear or changes lanes or stories without even knowing it's happened. That's okay, just be aware and make adjustments.  It's called discernment.  

AND, big plus here, God will 100% guide you on this journey and it this process - always.

AND, he's not mad at you if and when you've jumped stories - he's patient and will even use the time you believe a false story to grow you and guide you back to the best stories.

Either way, listen to him and his stories.  You'll be fine.

Grace and peace.