Tuesday, February 4, 2014

What is Your Story?

By Anonymous

I saw this phrase as a small card at a dinner table a few weeks ago. It was at someone else's seat so I could not take it home with me. All during the dinner I kept thinking about that quote. I ended up taking a photo of it just to make sure I won't forget it.

Ever since that dinner I have been thinking about my story. What is the story of my life? Have I been writing my own story or have I just copied and pasted my story? Have I let someone else hold the pen to my life story?

I know that ultimately God has the permanent marker in his hand.  I think I am still writing with a pencil (mechanical 0.3 of course) as there are times when I need an eraser. I trust God completely. I know his plan for my life is good. But am I always listening to Him or just going about my life in my own way?  Am I listening to those around me too much and forgetting to use my own pencil (or keyboard) a bit more?

It looks like I have more questions than I have answers. That is okay. This is what my One Little Word is about this year: discover. It is okay to ask questions. Without these questions and wonderings, we could easily hear the familiar voice: "Make a u-turn as soon as possible." I am also hearing this other familiar comment: "You have now entered unfamiliar territory. Proceed with caution."


I was proceeding with caution the other morning when driving to school (in case you haven't seen the news, it has been one of the snowiest winters on record here in mi).
Then this song came on the radio Write Your Story by Francesca Battistelli. One of the lines that really stood out for me was: "Write your story on my heart."

I kept thinking about that line. Is God writing his story on my heart? Am I allowing Him room to write His story, or is my heart too crowded with my own stories? Or maybe even others' stories are crowding my heart?

I don't know the answer. The pages of my story are still mostly blank, but I am working on my story.

Who is writing your story?





25 comments:

  1. First of all, thank you for introducing me to that song "Write Your Story", I've already downloaded it! I love these thoughts. I reflect on the same things and I think it's important to pause and pay attention to who is holding the pen. Thank you for such a thoughtful & reflective post this morning. You've given me lots to think about today, Jaana!

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    1. Thanks Michelle! I have to play that song again. There is something special about that song!

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  2. Having more questions than answers is what it's all about - that's the story of my life.

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    1. When you have questions, there is always something new to discover!

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  3. Your post is lovely and a good reminder to me to examine my life to see who is really directing the action.
    Bernadette

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    1. Thanks Bernadette! Director award coming later!

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  4. In addition to your questions I think of "What's the purpose?" and "Who is my audience?" and "How does the story change when perspectives change?"
    Everyone has to find their own answers.

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    1. You are right Terje; my answers won't work for you. That is why we all need to write our own story.

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  5. Beautiful post. I think everyone's story is ongoing. The choices we make, the things we do, what we see all add pages to who we are. No one knows how their story will end, but we can all make the most of the story we write and enjoy kit to its fullest.

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    1. Enjoy it to the fullest! You are right Arjeha! Thanks!

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  6. Funny how writing the story of your life kept appearing in your life. This is something I need to ponder. Too much of my life has passed and the story wasn't written.

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    1. Elsie, there is an amazing story waiting to be written about your life!

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  7. Today in our teacher Bible study group we were talking about God changing our hearts. That message and your message are very similar. I know my heart tends to be crowded. Many times it is because of other people and not making room for Him. Lots to think about here. Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. Making room for Him. Isn't that a good reminder for us all.

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  8. What a great post today. I know we are not writing our stories on our own....and when we do it is in as you say mechanical pencils! I think of how we must revise and edit our lives....like our writing...in order to make the most of the "stuff" on our "pages". Your post makes me think...

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    1. Thinking about our lives and our stories. That is a good thing!

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  9. Oooh, love that quotation! From what I've seen, you are doing an amazing job writing your story, and God is certainly present in that writing. I have seen Him in so many of your posts. Thank you for this thoughtful and inspiring reflection!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! Writing this post was a "spark" for me!

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  10. I stole your picture, Jaana, love that quote too! What wonderful questions you posed, & made us all think too! You reminded me of hours ago when I read Nancy's post, writing that she was revising her life, so I connected with yours, to see that the question needs to be asked of who is holding the pen? Thanks for this, for noticing the little things, like that card on a chair!

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    1. Thanks Linda! Pondering these life issues is a good thing.

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  11. So much to think about here. What a mystery that as we let Him, who never changes, write His story in our hearts, each one of us will have our own unique story. And that in our stories, others can see Him!

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    1. You are so right! Maybe this could become my prayer for the next few weeks: "In my story, let others see you,God."

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  12. I think I was meant to read your post today. I am behind in reading SOL posts. A friend sent me a meditation this morning about letting go and trusting God. I took a walk this morning and thought about how hard it is for me to let God take over. I want to be in control! :) Your post just reinforced what I needed to hear today. Thank you for that. Thanks for the quote too. I'm going to add it to my collection of quotes.

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    1. Great timing! God was definitely holding the pen to make that happen!

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  13. Great ponderings in your post! I love this line: "I know that ultimately God has the permanent marker in his hand." Thank goodness. I am glad He is holding the pen. Now if I will just follow...

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