Stories that Help us See

I tell stories all the time.

At work, I use storytelling to make coaching and leadership ideas more memorable.

During our mission in Belgium and the Netherlands, I often shared stories to teach, encourage and help people see the hand of God in their lives.

And in my writing, I regularly return to ordinary everyday moments, a simple conversation, a journey, a misplaced object, a football match or a quiet walk and try to find the meaning hidden inside them.

Recently, I read a thought about storytelling that felt very familiar.

Good storytellers often appear to be speaking completely off the cuff, as if it is unprepared and unrehearsed. The story sounds natural, spontaneous and oftentimes conversational. Yet beneath that apparent ease, there has usually been some preparation. They know where the story begins, they understand its important moments, and they know where it is going to end.

That is certainly true for me.

Sometimes I will turn a story over in my mind during my morning study, or while driving to Perth, or whilst taking a walk and asking myself what the story is really about.

As a youngster, it was during my study of the scriptures and church history that I discovered the power of storytelling.

David facing Goliath. Joseph and his coat of many colours. Daniel in the Lions’ Den. A father watching the road for the return of his lost son. Nephi returning for the plates. Alma the Younger awakening to the mercy of Jesus Christ. The Pioneer Trek…

The Saviour Himself frequently taught through stories, or parables.

He spoke of seeds, sheep, lamps, coins, vineyards and travellers on dangerous roads. His stories were simple enough to remember, yet deep enough to change a life.

“And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it” – Mark 4:33

I know that Jesus did not tell stories merely to entertain people. He told them to help people see differently.

Perhaps that is the spiritual purpose of some of our own stories too.

Our experiences may not seem dramatic. Most of life is not lived on battlefields or beside the Sea of Galilee. It is lived in kitchens, workplaces, hospital corridors, classrooms, churches, gardens and ordinary family conversations.

Jesus Christ is present in ordinary places. Our challenge is learning to notice Him in the everyday moments of our lives and to follow Him.

Then remember the moments that mattered.

Because the best stories do more than describe what happened.

They help us recognise what God was doing while it happened.

When you look back, where can you now see that God was present all along?