Devotion: The Legacy Question—What Story Do I Want to Tell?
The Legacy Question—What Story Do I Want to Tell?
Please take a moment to read Genesis 39:1-9 & Matthew 6:19-21
Paper or Plastic? Left or Right? Cash or Credit? Red or Blue? Easy or Hard? We have choices every day, decisions we must make that change our stories, for better or worse. A wonderful friend, June Dupont, would often say, “God gave us free will.” We have choices in our lives that determine the path we take.
Last week’s beautiful devotion by Janece Nelson paved the way for this week’s message. First, be honest with yourself, that look in the proverbial mirror. Then, like Jacob in our scripture today, choose what story is told about you, by you, for God. Andy Stanley spends many pages in the Legacy chapter describing Jacob’s decisions. It is not a children’s story about a coat, it is about a hard life and how he chose to live it. It was a story I had not really understood as being about hard choices.
A few years ago I had the privilege and honor to write the life stories of three Sheridan Lutheran members. Despite hardship and loss, they were not bitter. They rejoiced in the lessons they learned. They cherished the memories of loved ones lost. They were ready to write their story of hope, blessings and faith. It was inspiring!
Someone near and dear to me is going through a rough time in his marriage. Andy Stanley’s advice to his friend bears repeating, “What story do you want to tell your children about their mother? What will they remember in 10 years? Tell a story worth telling.”
During this Pandemic and isolation, I’ve had lots of time to write! It has been a conscientious choice to write the stories I want my boys to know about what made me and them. It has been cathartic and revealing. I encourage you to tell your story, either on paper or recording. Some of my stories aren’t pretty, but they are honest. Some changed the course of my life.
Dear Lord,
I want to make you proud of the life you’ve given me. Help me to tell an honest story. Keep my eyes focused on the good story.
Amen
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 4-10. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!