Transitions - Jan./Feb. Spire

"Telling The Story"

Many of us love that old hymn, "Love to Tell the Story".  Recently, I came across this hymn and wondered, "How well do we tell the story of how important God and faith are to us?" There's a commercial on the radio which states that people judge us by the way we speak. But the truth is people learn about who we are and what is important to us in a variety of ways. We tell the story of what we value by the way we spend our time, energy and resources; as well as by the amount of anxiety, worry, fear and mistrust we exhibit.

This is the season of Epiphany. A scripture that I connect with the season says, "You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others…” (Matthew 5: 14, 16). There's more: don't hide your light under a bushel; this prevents it from being seen. What constitutes a "bushel" today? Things that come between God, other people and us. Some of these things define our lifestyle -- attitudes, beliefs, objects and events that fill our lives. They can add up to the chaotic pace that too many of us live by, a pace that makes us reluctant to slow down and listen.

"Epiphany" is defined as a sudden flash of spiritual recognition or revelation.  By definition, epiphanies catch us off guard and unaware. Our response to an epiphany helps us define what we value. These events can shake our foundation or they can ground us. Either way, they influence the story we tell.

How different are the story we desire to tell and the story we tell? I suspect that if we confront the difference between what we want to say and what others "hear," we might very well have an epiphany. While we all strive to be faithful -- that is, respond to the needs of others in the world -- when it comes to trusting in God and letting go so that God can lead us, we all have some work to do.

Epiphanies can be gifts. They can shed light on every aspect of our lives as they invite us to listen to what God desires for us and all people. The question is, "Are we open to such revelations? Are we able to listen to what others say about the story we tell?"

I hope and pray we are; because part of telling the story is being willing and able to listen and hear how it is others perceive our story.

Peace,
Eric