Tales to Tell

I wish I knew more about my grandparents. I have questions for them that will not be answered in this lifetime. It has taken me too long to realize what I have lost by not knowing their stories. Will my grandchildren also find out too late?

My Dad's Father died of Black Lung before I was born. My Mother's Dad also died before I was born. His death was by his own hand. I had step-grandfathers on my mother's side. I am grateful that they left me memorable stories. Both grandmothers lived long lives, but only one was present to us. Both, however, left their tales for me to enjoy. One was a writer, and through her penned works, I have come to know her in a small way. The other was very active in my life. I heard, first hand, about her exciting adventures and trials. Something was still missing.

My definition of personal stories goes beyond what we have done or seen. The real legend reveals the impact those experiences have on our lives. Emotions felt, lessons learned, and life changes that occurred are the real gems within a life story.

So, how do we share those treasures with our Grands? First, listen for questions. Questions are the open door. I like questions because they don't have to be asked only by the youth. They are great door openers for seniors as well. Once a question has been asked, the short answer is best. Leave room for more questions. Invite the child into your story, don't drag them. (I've learned from experience.) There may be things left unsaid, but what you say will be remembered if you don't push.

We have a wealth of tales to tell. We can recount bible stories that help us or have impacted us. Anecdotes from our own lives are always a crowd pleaser when told with a bit of humor directed at ourselves. Books and articles can become a source of interesting ideas shared. The list goes on and on, from nature stories to the famous or not so well known people that touch our lives. We can always have something worthwhile to say.

Connect to the children and even older grandchildren with feelings. Telling them how we feel and asking them about their emotions tells them that they are important. There is a caution to this, however. We should be careful not to dismiss their feelings. We can accept that they feel a certain way right now, but we must also give them time and space to change.

Our lives interchange. It is a wonderful blessing to a child to tell them how they have been special in our lives. A "Do you remember when we did..." story will always liven up an afternoon.

Finally, look for ways to bring God into the story. Use God's perspective, His attributes, His love for us, or maybe just that He is watching and listening now to bring His presence into the conversation. Do you know He is listening and watching us now?

Father God, The Word and Teller of Your story within our stories, You are so very good! You are our hope when times are tough and our delight when we are filled with joy. We seek Your forgiveness for being so quick to pass by opportunities to share You with those we love so very much, our Grandchildren, preferring to give them things instead of ourselves. Thank You for giving us time with them. Thank You for making the door of questions swing both ways! Thank You for the stories You have given us in Your word, our lives and all around us. You are so generously good to us! Teach us to be the best we can be for all future generations!

Heavy Burdens Turn Light

Heavy burdens can become lighter when we walk with the Lord.

During our Firework tent sale we had many little problems that ranged from minor irritations to the more serious "Let's talk this over, Lord" situations. A couple of our tents had rain that puddled and made things miserable for our workers and customers alike. In fact one tent was so muddy that people were driven away by the mess. We also had the hot muggy weather with which to contend. Then there were the permits and inspectors that were a struggle to obtain this year or caustic when dealing with them. Opposition and attacks of theft burdened our days. But in it all we were blessed to be around many people who were celebrating the freedoms we still enjoy.

God enriched our lives with His simple delights! He always makes our burdens easier to bear. My daughter told stories of tourists from other countries who came to their tent just to take pictures! They had never seen anything like it. They were shocked at our freedom to sell such things that explode just so we could celebrate our nation's birthday. A little old man and his tiny dog came by our tent and as he left God spoke to my heart to go talk to him. I simply asked him if he was a Veteran. Yes, he was, from the Korean war. When I thanked him he was taken aback. He told me that so few people had ever thanked him for his service to our country. He was visibly touched and so was I. Late on the Fourth I narrowly escaped two possible accidents. A deer ran across the road in front of me and someone ran a red light as I neared an intersection.

We welcomed little children who spoke about their lives and what they were doing to celebrate; met a man who is an alumni from our Alma Mater, Colorado State, living here in Central Florida; encouraged people to get involved in the political process and campaigned a bit for Marco Rubio for Florida Senator. Family and friends came to visit and some even helped without pay! We were brought cookies and enjoyed some really good food, especially after it was all finished!

We could dwell on the losses and the trials but we choose to put our trust in God, thinking about the good things. His provision, protection and pleasure is more than enough. It does not matter that the enemy is against us, because God who lives in us is greater!

Thank You, Provider of all good gifts. We have been richly rewarded because You have watched over us in all things. Thank You for lifting our burdens and bringing Son light into our lives!

A New Page

Today begins a new page of history. Yes, I know it is the same every day but today being January 1, 2009, the world recognizes the change.

For me, I see myself writing a few new stories of my life. It is interesting that you, too, are writing the stories of your life. Though we choose our own stories we also bring in others stories into our own. Your story is a part of mine just as my story is a part of yours. To me that is an amazingly delightful thought!

God is part of our stories as well. He is there even if we fail to acknowledge Him. I am happy to have Him in my story. Because He is such a big part of my story He is also in your story (If you are part of mine!)

2009 is a year when I choose to share His story and my story as often as I am able! I want to tell all about Him and who He is in my life!

Happy New Year! The story begins anew!