There are words.
And sentences.
And paragraphs.
And pages.
And chapters of our story…
that are written by us.
Read carefully, and we will see that the pen of someone else’s hand is putting many words in place–especially key moments of drastic shift and change.
Their handwriting, their fingerprints, their influence are all over our pages.
And, while we think we are writing our own story without consequence to others, we are actually shifting and changing and writing theirs as well. Our handwriting and fingerprints and influence are all over their pages.
Art begets art. Life begets life. Story begets story. It’s impossible to live a silent and impact-free life. And it’s impossible not to be impacted by others. Life is one big collaboration. The story will go well for us if we keep an open mindset of cooperation.
I woke up re-reading the current page of my life–with relationships and phone calls and prayers and ideas that shift and turn my story. I feel both powerful and powerless, at the same time.
But one thing I’m thankful for, I’ve got a few great writers in my life. And I want their words on my pages.
Do you have any great writers in your life? And are you giving them room to write some of your story? And who’s story are you helping write right now?
Great art rarely happens by accident. And neither do great stories.
My sister Joanne – At the age of 14 (1946) she quit school to be my “mom”. I was 3. My bio mom had just been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and was placed in a TB Sanitarium. She remained in the TB Sanitarium 3 years, the first time. Joanne was my “mom” for 3 years. My bio mom came home and Joanne went back to school and got her diploma! My sister Joanne and I were very close – I think she taught me how to be a stinker – she was good at it!
A week ago today she died. I will miss her. The last time I got to see her was April. Our last words together were as I held her hand, praying with her as she lay in a hospital bed. We both had tears in our eyes, but she assured me all was well and we see each other again.
Love you sis, remember, you can’t be a stinker up there!
Wow Papa. This brings tears to my eyes as well. What a beautiful story — thank you for sharing this with us. Your sister was a hero.
I am so thankful that there are many people who have taken the time and effort to write on my life. If I took the time to write about all of them, it would probably surpass the word count limit for a comment! But, I’ll tell you about one special lady that really impacted my life.
Kelly was my mentor during my sophomore year in high school. Every week, on Sunday night, we would meet in her living room. Sometimes we would munch on Sun Chips and talk about life. Sometimes we would watch movies. Sometimes she would just let me sit and spend time with God in silence. She came into my life during one of the most trivial times in my life and she prayed for me and my family, for which I will forever be grateful.
The people who inspired me, and where the great influences in my life where people I have never meet. Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Carl Sagan.
I have a lot of friends, but never anyone I think of as a close, personal confidant, or mentor.
I guess I am a loner who likes to be around people.
My mentor in college: Prof Walker
My mentor in early adult living: Chris Piepmeier
My mentor in bible study: Kay Arthur
My friend through thick and thin: The Nor Easter
I love me some Kay Arthur!!
i want you on more of my pages…