Tell me a story about…

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
—Hebrews 2:1

It seems that whenever friends and family gather, stories naturally appear. They usually start with something like: “I remember…” or “Remember when…” or “How about the time….”

I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend! Cathy and I certainly did as two of our daughters joined us from Washington, D.C. We had a great time!

It is always fun to watch a story emerge in a conversation, particularly when you know some of the history and have the opportunity to set it up like at lunch on Saturday with some dear friends who also shared history.
“Hey Dick, remember the walks we used to take at St Leonard’s with the kids?" I innocently asked, knowing there was a great story about Dick, our daughter Gill and worms.

“I sure do!” Dick replied. “Gillie, do you remember anything about worms…how many teeth do they have?”

All of a sudden the table transforms into glee as Gillie recounts looking at the worms in a puddle and thinking about picking one up. Being only 6 at the time she was uncertain. Uncle Dick encouraged her; it was ok. Then just as she was reaching for the worm, Uncle Dick said, "Don’t pick up the end with the teeth!”

A more surprised reaction wouldn’t be possible! Gillie can describe it in full and loving detail 17 years later!

Stories transform the present, where we are often separated by distance, time and life’s experiences, into that wonderful place where time really doesn’t matter—only relationships do.

You know the stories of your life, the ones Grandpa or Grandma shared. The stories told by your parents about how it was when they were growing up. You remember the stories of your youth: the first time you went to school, the first time you won a prize in a race, the first fish you caught. You remember the first time you knew that your prayer had been answered…and you can tell the story today.

You remember the time when you felt so proud and special and you heard your family and friends cheering your name.

You remember don’t you? You should see yourself transform when you tell your stories. All of a sudden you seem to come to life as you recall, relive and are reenergized by the moment.

Everyone has a story. Your patients have a story that brings them hope and energy and it isn’t the story of their illness, but a story that transcends their present affliction.

Your fellow employees have a story, so do your physician partners. Just ask them some time to tell you their favorite story about growing up. Or perhaps the best story their grandparents told them, or ask them to tell you the story about their faith and religious moments in their life.

Watch the transformation happen right before your eyes!