Last week
I visited with a farm cat named Brindle. Okay, "visited" is
a stretch. As a farm cat, she comes and goes as she pleases.
But I know she has a story...because everyone does. Even when we don't think we have one.
I know Brindle disappeared for a year, and only recently came back. I know she's had multiple litters of kittens, and two of her kids are still around. And I know she's a sweetheart, but she is bullied by the other farm cats.
I wanted to hear more, but Brindle wasn't sharing her story. At least, not in a way I could understand.
Maybe, she doesn't think her story is worth sharing. I can relate. Sometimes we think our stories aren't exciting enough to share.
Or we don't share because we don't want to relive certain parts of the story. That's okay. No one should be forced to share. But everyone should have the opportunity to release what they hold tightly inside, if they choose.
Because everyone has a story.
Our lives are made up of moments and seasons that contribute to who we are and who we become. [Tweet this]
Sharing our experiences with others helps to forge friendships, and it encourages them to share with us.
That means we need to be people who listen to others. Just listen. Not try to "fix it" or give counsel. Just listen with our full attention.
Jesus listened. He gave others His full attention. His story is the one we should want to hear the most.
And although He already knows everything about us, He wants us to share our stories with Him...because He wants to spend time with us.
And that's something we should want to share with others.
But I know she has a story...because everyone does. Even when we don't think we have one.
I know Brindle disappeared for a year, and only recently came back. I know she's had multiple litters of kittens, and two of her kids are still around. And I know she's a sweetheart, but she is bullied by the other farm cats.
I wanted to hear more, but Brindle wasn't sharing her story. At least, not in a way I could understand.
Maybe, she doesn't think her story is worth sharing. I can relate. Sometimes we think our stories aren't exciting enough to share.
Or we don't share because we don't want to relive certain parts of the story. That's okay. No one should be forced to share. But everyone should have the opportunity to release what they hold tightly inside, if they choose.
Because everyone has a story.
Our lives are made up of moments and seasons that contribute to who we are and who we become. [Tweet this]
Sharing our experiences with others helps to forge friendships, and it encourages them to share with us.
That means we need to be people who listen to others. Just listen. Not try to "fix it" or give counsel. Just listen with our full attention.
Jesus listened. He gave others His full attention. His story is the one we should want to hear the most.
And although He already knows everything about us, He wants us to share our stories with Him...because He wants to spend time with us.
And that's something we should want to share with others.
In Christ,
Linking up
with Sharing His Beauty, Grace & Truth, #RaRaLinkup, Playdates with God, Give Me Grace, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory, Thought Provoking Thursday, Everyday Jesus, Faith Filled Friday, Blessing Counters
Hi Laura, I love that He has written our stories before we were even considered. It's comforting to me when I go through hard times. I know God has a bigger plan for whatever is happening. I'm stopping by from Playdates with God.
ReplyDeleteYES. So many want to "fix" the problem, when mostly, all we need to do is listen and offer support.
ReplyDeleteWe have an auxiliary cat. He comes in winter and leaves in the spring. Notice I said, "he". yep.
Thanks for sharing on #RaRa Tuesday!
So simple but such a powerful message. Thank you for validating all of us out here who think "our stories are not exciting enough." Well done!
ReplyDeleteYes, there is nothing more frustrating than a fix-it friend. I find it so depleting. Thank you for pointing this out. Great words about how Christ is. And, yes, many times I can probably be this way too! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm a pretty good listener, but you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned listening without trying to fix it or give counsel. I'm a notorious fixer!
ReplyDeleteYes, we all do have a story...and it's such a gift when someone sits and listens to ours. It's a gift that I want to offer other people too. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great analogy, Laura! I have learned that listening to others' stories can not only equip me to help them (if God so deems) but very often it encourages me too!
ReplyDelete