Twas the blog before Christmas…
Grow where you’re planted. I love that saying. Makes a person wonder about their life, the stories along the way, the current goings-on and the future that lies ahead…
Do you love the story of your life? Where it’s been, where it is now, where it’s going? This isn’t intended to be an emotionally charged question – though it certainly triggers deep thinking. Is the story of you a great story – to you? Would you download it to your Kindle and read it? Would you go see it in the theater if it came out as a motion picture? Binge watch it on Netflix?
Is your story Great?
YES! Perhaps you just need a little nudge. Allow me…
When we get the back-story, the whole story comes into greater focus. It’s what makes any story great – knowing the back story, seeing the inflection points along the way, the crises that come, the critical decisions, the pathways taken, the sage wisdom that comes to guide, the risks, etc. Donald Miller has brilliantly and poignantly written and taught countless folks on the dynamics of what makes for a great story in books, theater, business, and life. (check his company out at www.storybrand.com if you’re so inclined)
Christmas time is a wonderful time to play around with this whole ‘story’ question. Christ, the central figure in the history of the season’s holiday narrative, is celebrated in storied fashion. Nativity scenes, brilliant stars, wise men, festive and sacred music, generosity and gatherings, traditions with family and friends – all celebrated, without fail, religiously by the world. All the world takes time out to celebrate Christmas while most of the world has no interest, let alone reverence for, the celebrated Birthday Boy. Call me crazy but that level of commitment and consistency to observe such a season seems to be somewhat of a religious commitment, even for the not-so-convinced.
The point I’m making here is that Christmas is about the story, including the backstory, of the world’s most famous person ever. Jesus. Like him, or not, it is. And we all know it. So, I’m asking the question about Your Story (& my story) and wondering anew – could I learn something from the big story of this season about the baby, born in a stable and laid in a manger who grew up and became the world’s most radical influencer and culture changing icon.
As a father and husband, businessman and a coach, my story does take some twisty turns when I look back at it. When I walk with others in their lives, getting to know who they are, the story comes into greater focus as the back-story unfolds. The current and presenting issues (often challenges) shared need to be seen in light of the whole. A good guide, a good friend, knows to walk back into the story as they walk through current matters and into the coming seasons.
I am eternally grateful to those who have walked with me in the past and in the present. The call on my life is to do that with others too and I hope that, in some way, writing and sharing a few thoughts each week stirs in you the belief that you can keep going, that there is hope, that you are seen and appreciated, known and noticed, reminded and rekindled in your faith.
Wherever your storyline finds you today, be it encouraged or otherwise, heartened or otherwise, peace-filled or otherwise – the story of this season holds hope. Perhaps you are the friend that is walking with someone who is going through a tough ‘otherwise’ time. Perhaps this is an unsure an un-fun ‘otherwise’ season for you. Perhaps someone you know and care about needs a note of encouragement from you. Do it. Pass along this note if you think it will help.
There is hope, my friend. You are loved. You are being invited forward and deeper into the storyline of life that is bigger and better than you could write for yourself. And, yes, it is harder than you could imagine yet more beautiful than words can describe. The Christmas story points us to look, to wonder, to believe with the tiniest drop or the biggest bucket of faith.
I invite you to have a receiving heart and posture today. Receive Christmas this year. Learn, all the more, to see your life story today and wonder, with childlike wonder at Christmas, and ask yourself – is my story a great story? – then ask the Star of the Christmas story to shine and give you the hope that our hearts crave. If you need someone to walk with you, then seek that out, like one of the wise people in the original story. If you need to take some time for reflection, then go be like one of the shepherds and get out into nature to do some really good pondering.
Go where you need to go and plant yourself where you need to be planted – receive what you need there, and you will grow and flourish. Grow where you’re planted. Receive Christmas – the story of hope for you and for me, the storyline that intersects with the current narratives of our lives and changes the course for all of time.
One of my favorite songs of the season is linked here for you to enjoy. Lots of artists have recorded this special song. I was drawn to this recording because the singer can flat out rip with his voice…but the fella sitting there playing the piano, his arms all tatted up, his big ol’ oversized hands and fingers tickling the ivory with his heart coming through every note…I wondered about his story, his tattoos, his life marked by seasons and stories and, well, I just thought the song sounded wonderful with these two. So – enjoy wondering, listening and anticipating hope!
…the thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices…
Merry Christmas to you, my friend. May this season find you planted, growing, filling up with hope.
Peace~
Craig
craig@r12coaching.com
