Story

The focus of the classes I attended at Lutheran Theological School at Gettysburg (LSTG) last week was "story". We examined (literally, as if with a magnifying lens and dissecting tools) the story of Adam and Eve, (Genesis 2 and 3) Cain and Abel (Genesis 4: 1-16) Noah and his sons (Genesis 9:20-27) and the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). If you haven't read these stories recently, take time to do so -- the presentation of human passion and the dynamics of relationship is more revealing than anything we see on the Oprah Show!

The seminar presenters were from a variety of disciplines: an Old Testament Scholar, a professional story teller, and an expert in family systems. The common denominator, though, is that they are all pastors, and so the presentations were all centered upon the way each discipline could serve to open our eyes to some wisdom about the way things "work" in the community of faith.

Each one of them used his/her gifts to help each of us discover new ways to look at (and sometimes understand) the way humans interact with each other. We also looked for ways we could gaze at our own personal histories and see how our experience aligns with the experiences described in scripture.

Think about some of the most powerful experiences of your life. Pick ONE. If you were to tell the story, how would you complete the following:

Once upon a time there was a child named (your name) who ...
It all began when (he/she) was ________ years old.
Now let the story unfold....Fill in the blank...whatever event you have chosen, try to be as detailed as your imagination and your heart allow. At the point where you have said everything you can about the event, try pausing and add this --

Then the child noticed that Jesus was present -- within touch! Let the action or progression of the event stop right there.... and recall all that you know about being in the presence of somebody who knows every single beat of your heart, every single question or desire that you have. Stay there for a while, then continue to tell the story.

This kind of personal reflection provides an opportunity to see the story under a God lens. It is as if you are looking at the experience through a filter of loving truth. Take time to look at the July 16 entry on the link to "Praying the Mystery" (to the left of this post).

How might the truth that is present in Christ affect your story?