“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
This summer, my dad and I were in charge of meeting the electrical guy at my brothers house while he was at work. Dad and I were in the midst of some projects when the man arrived, so my dad split off to greet him and to show him around. A little while later, I realized that I was still working in the yard alone, so I ventured to find out where they had disappeared to. I came across them chatting on the other side of the house, and seeing me, my dad was quick to inform me that this man had an off-the-grid cabin; something both my dad and I would love to have in our futures.
Over the next hour, the three of us stood talking about seemingly everything… except for the electrical work. The man told us all about his cabin, his career, his kids, his kids careers, and even one of his adventurous bear hunts. My dad and I continued in asking questions, and every now and then would reply with a story of our own.
Eventually the cycle was broken when we all realized that we needed to get back to our different areas of work, but had it not been for that, I may still be standing there today. I walked away from that interaction so energized. Not because I got to share my story, but because I got to hear someone else’s story. I watched this man light up as he told of his most exciting moments and accomplishments in his life. You could hear his passion through the tone of his voice and could tell how proud he was of this off-the-grid cabin that he had poured so much of his time into as he scrolled through the photos.
When I sat down later that night, I realized that I was still feeling so energized from the conversation that had occurred hours ago. Then it hit me. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time; in fact, it had been much too long.
I love stories. I love to know every detail of every person’s life story. I love to hear about the experiences people have gone through to shape them into who they are today. I love to hear about career paths and big transitions. I love to hear about faith journey’s and admire the way that God reaches each of us so differently and so personally. I love to get to ask my patient’s about their life, instead of solely discussing their medical issues. Stories are so beautiful, so unique, and so energizing.
However, as I thought back on my dad and I’s conversation with the electrician, I realized that I had lost my ‘oomph’ to ask other people about their stories. I had once been so eager to know every detail, but I had grown tired in the past season of life and I allowed my exhaustion to blind me from the amazing opportunities before me. I had crossed paths with many people and may patients, and in my weariness, I chose silence instead of speaking.
Our conversation with the electrician was beautiful in and of itself, but more than anything, it reminded me of the joy that comes from seeking other people’s stories.
Yesterday, I encouraged you to share your story… but today, I want to encourage you to seek a story.
You and I both know the difference between interacting with someone who nods every now and then versus someone who asks questions to intently carry on the conversation.
Through my weariness and exhaustion, I became that nodding person, but through my story seeking, I was revitalized, reenergized and refreshed.
Ask questions. Be that engaged person. Don’t hesitate to dive into the details. The worst that could happen is that they walk away, and then you have another new story to tell about the time that you tried to seek a story.
Yesterday, I ended by saying “Someone needs to hear your story, and it just might be you”, so today I say, someone needs to share their story, and it might just be you who needs to hear it.
Let nothing stand in your way of seeking a story today.
