I was reading a movie review the other day, and I found this quote by Mark Twain: "There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.” No truer words have ever been said. And there is a huge gift, a great story, wrapped up inside of the person right in front of us, if we take a minute to look, a moment to listen.
It is likely no coincidence that this quote found me. As I meet people, and listen to them, or am moved by the look in their eyes, I realize that I am not the only one with a history, a life, a story. And while mine is the one most relevant to me, as I listen, I discover that there are many fascinating stories folks have to share. And you know what? They want to share their story! What an honor, what a privilege, what a momentous occasion it is to hear what each person has to say.
Some of my favorite stories come from military men and women, for they have led fascinating lives! They tell us tales of war, of human interest, or of the daily life of a soldier or sailor. Teachers have many wonderful stories of the children, who are learning and growing and becoming individuals. Proud parents love to talk about their kids as though they were the only children in the world, because in their eyes, they are! Widows tell stories of long-ago days, filled with cooking, and mending, and car rides that took days to go the distance that today would take an hour or two. And if we are so blessed, we have friends who want to share the joys and sorrows of their lives with us, because they know we love them and they are safe to share their darkest and most intimate secrets.
Of all of God's creation, we are his masterpiece. Just take a minute to imagine that! The God who created the universe we know and beyond, esteems us as His Highest creation! He says that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made!" Did you hear that? Did you take a minute to think about those words, to begin to let them sink in? This is too high for me to grasp, it is beyond my comprehension. And yet that is what He says. And if He says it, then it is.
So during this wonderful Thanksgiving season, take some time to listen to those around you; look for the twinkle in the old man's eyes, or see the wonder of a new mom as she experiences the miracle of the birth of her child, or even the person who seems slow, and dull, and shy, for all of these folks have wonderful stories to tell. And when you take a few minutes to listen to them, you will grow, and you will learn something, something of value, something of importance, something that may change your life forever. Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving, everyone.
