Finding Your Story in God’s Story
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
My daughter asked – no, demanded – I start writing down my life story. I thought it was kind of presumptuous for me to believe my life is any more or less interesting than anyone else’s story. So, I put her off, saying I was too busy. But, Hannah is a pushy child and doesn’t take a hint. So, as “a gift,” she signs me up for an app that sends me a question every week that I am to answer. Now, I write five devotions per week; I write a weekly sermon, plus funeral and wedding sermons, newsletter articles, correspondence, etc. Now, I am forced to write down answers to questions that Hannah will have bound in a book for the grandchildren.
Worse than my demanding daughter is the fact I am finding meaning in the process of answering the questions. These darn questions make me think. And, when I start writing, I surprise myself with what lands on the page. Questions like: “Describe one of the best days of your life.” “What was the strangest day you’ve experienced?” “Describe a brave moment in your life” or “What was your most challenging experience?” are just examples of the weekly questions required of me.
What I find interesting is the way my faith is regularly introduced into the stories. It has been a reminder of the role of religion in different aspects of my life. Joy, fear, and hope are intertwined in the stories I have been writing. It makes sense when your work life is in the Church, but it is more personal than just my occupation. It feels like God has injected the Divine into each of the moments in my written stories. It has been an affirming experience, writing answers to these questions each week.
Today, think about writing questions like the three examples I have provided, then add your own. Like me, you just might find God’s Spirit coming to life in your reflections. Don’t try to insert God in every story. Just write down what you remember and see what comes to the page. Few of my answers mention God, yet when I read the stories, I remember and feel a sense of guidance or direction. Give some questions a try and see if you get a similar surprise.
