Everyone Has a Story to Tell
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1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
I’ve had an interesting experience. A friend of mine recruited me to pass out food samples at a local grocery store to kick off some new food products they started offering. It has been quite an experience! Of course, the most important cardinal rule is: never allow a customer to touch the food! What is it about us humans that we feel compelled to touch two or three “roll-ups” until we find exactly the right one to eat? (Remember this is free food!) My instructions were to physically place myself between the food and the customer. That sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Not! People are tricky! They wait until you’re talking to another customer about the wonderful line of products and then dive right in!
So you’re asking what this has to do with these verses from Corinthians. I kept these verses in mind throughout my demo shift. I saw every make and model, shape and size of human being in the course of the shift! Human beings are quite fascinating creatures! I remembered these verses though for several reasons. Another cardinal rule: you never know who will actually purchase the product – so be nice to everyone. Well, that sounds rather worldly, doesn’t it? And my entrepreneurial spirit kicked right in with that instruction. As the day went on though, something happened. I began to see each of the food samplers as individuals. I started looking into their eyes and watching their hands as I passed them a roll-up or a chip with salsa.
Each person had a story to tell – and as I was “stuck” there, I heard many of them. And it was a blessing and a gift to hear what they had to say. One woman survived two hurricane seasons in Florida (losing everything both times), a bout with breast cancer and had her foot in a cast – she was upbeat, though, and ended the conversation with “What are you going to do?” She meant the only option, in the end, is to keep on living—and not allow life to beat you down. Some of the folks just smiled and said thank you. Some of them wanted to sample “one of each” and I suspect that might have been their “meal” for the day. Some just made comments in passing that let me know they needed prayers.
Isn’t God amazing that he affords us opportunities to witness in the most mundane situations?! Of course, I didn’t tell anyone I was a Christian, but I sure hope many of them knew it. I wonder if the folks I interacted with after my change of heart from worldly to Christ-like felt any differently. I know I did! And the next time I work in that setting, I will be focused on those who walk up to me to sample the food, and I’ll be fully engaged in what they have to say. I may be the only person willing to listen to their story. And we all need to tell our story – once spoken, it becomes a part of the cosmic energy that makes up our universe.
My story unfolds each morning as I sit at the computer to share my thoughts and revelations. Your story may unfold in the line at the grocery store or at the water cooler at work or at a PTA meeting. I have found that I am so blessed when I listen to the stories of those God places in my path – and I’m sure he’s using their stories to teach me something I need to know or learn.
My prayer today is that you lovingly listen with your heart when someone tells you their story. And that you thank God for using you in such a loving way.
Mary
