New Perspectives

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We are people formed and reformed in an ongoing story.  What story we choose to be framed by influences how we live.  Sometimes we don’t have a choice.  Something happens to us that dramatically change our circumstances and we become defined by that experience.  We can choose and sometimes we cannot.

My life has been defined and refined by a number of experiences which have then become part of my story.  How about you?  As you look back over your life, are there moments that have informed you to be who and where you are today?

Our stories are also part of a much larger story.  However we name that narrative, the reality goes beyond me, here and now.  We are part of a family ancestry.  We are part of a geographic place, however many times we may have moved.  We are shaped by the environment in which we live.  We are part of the unfolding story of time and history.

This time of year many people are influenced by the story of Christmas.  Whether religious or secular, this month is different than any other month of the year.  Decorations come out, parades happen, songs are sung, gifts are given and received.  The season shapes our lives.  It is a wonderful time of the year.

Stories shape our lives.

It is also true that this is a difficult time of year for people.  Loneliness, loss, broken relationships, alcohol, financial stress, health concerns, family violence and more are part of our community’s story too.  Stories of struggle also inform who we are.  They may not be as public as the parades, songs and gifts but they are real and present for many of us.  Private pain is still part of the larger story.

The challenge for us is to remember each other.  To seek someone out.  To knock on a neighbour’s door and say hello.  To ask how are you doing and then stop to listen.  To talk to a stranger.  To give a gift without expecting anything in return.  To shovel or blow out someone’s driveway simply because you can.

We are not alone.  There are parts of our life story which may indicate we are.  This may be true.  And yet, there is always more to the story, isn’t there?

How will you and I mark this season?  It may be a time to just get through and endure until it is over.  It also may be a time where a story will break into our lives and alter us in some way…forever.

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011