"The power of stories is that they are telling us that life adds up somehow, that life itself is like a story. And this grips us and fascinates us because of the feeling it gives us that if there is meaning in any life-in Hamlet’s, in Mary’s, in Christ’s-then there is meaning also in our lives. And if this is true, it is of enormous significance in itself, and it makes us listen to the storyteller with great intensity because in this way all his stories are about us and because it is always possible that he may give us some clue as to what the meaning of our lives is."Frederick Buechner
What is the meaning of your life? Is this a question that ever grips you? I think Frederick Buechner’s words ring true for me in my own search for what the meaning of my life is. It is most often in hearing the stories of others that I connect and have an ‘ah-hah!’ moment that makes clearer my own search. Somehow in reflecting on the life story of another, I see my own story more fully, more brilliantly.
At this time of year especially, the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life will be shown over and over. I have to admit to being held captive by this tale of George Bailey, the man who gets to see how the world would be different if he had not been born. Through watching George, year after year, I am reminded once again of the daily connections with friends and strangers in which I make some kind of difference…..for good or ill. I am reminded that, no matter whether we think so or not, each of us as we live our lives has a part to play in the life story of another. Watching George come to a realization of his impact on people he may have only had a passing relationship with, somehow invites me to hold my own interactions with greater gentleness,greater intention. In some way George’s story becomes my story.
But what of those other life stories we encounter? You know the ones in which a person is living out a life story that is full of trouble, pain, illness and despair? How do their stories also become our own? How do we hold ourselves within the stories of the homeless,the mentally ill, those on the brink of hopelessness, those with whom we radically disagree? It is a humbling thought.
During this season when we long for the in-breaking of the Holy into our midst, how do we, like Mary, say ‘yes!’ to God’s presence within us? How do we, like Joseph, listen to the dreams of the night to give us counsel? How do we, like the shepherds, wait patiently, watching those in our care with one eye on the sky? How do we, like Herod, deal with our insecurities and fears? How do we, like the Magi, set out on an unknown path toward what it is we wish to worship, offering all that we have?
Stories…….meaning……it all adds up.