Yesterday I finished reading
An Abundance of Katherines
by John Green. Generally, I've tried to stop reading as much young
adult fiction as I used to read and grow up into the "adult" world of
novels. I have to admit I still enjoy a good young adult fiction novel
as much as I used to. This novel was certainly one of those books that
gave me pleasure in my heart to read. A basic moral to the story is, so
that I can set up my post, that we all have stories. The past makes
us who we are today. Our stories are what we leave behind. And by
hearing someone else's story, we are changed if even slightly. And by
telling our story, we can change someone else, if even slightly. That's
a beautiful concept to me, and one I've always thought was true.
I'm
a listener by nature. My name, Samantha, is even Hebrew for listener.
By habit I tend to ask questions that delve into people's lives- past,
present, and what they hope for the future. I collect stories. Some
people collect rocks, stamps, or magazines, and I personally love to
collect stories. Who each one of us is, is so intricate to the delicate
way we are connected. God gave scientists the ability to discover parts
of His amazing creation. He also gave people like me words; and ears to
hear those words so that we could learn about one another.
Last
summer I went down to Boise with my grandma and cousin. On the return
trip home I asked my grandma to recount parts of her childhood, which
she gladly did. I learned an abundant amount of information, some of
which even her own children didn't know. For instance, my grandma used
to dance!! How crazy is that? She was human? She was a teenager? By
golly, it's so true. And it was lovely. She was bearing part of her
soul to me, because the past once again, makes up who we are in the
present. My grandma, at her 84 years old, was beautiful and vulnerable
and inviting. Everything a woman should be, all because I asked her
simple questions that began the journey of me getting to know her
better.
This summer, I'm flying to Portland a week before our
family reunion is to start so that I may spend time getting to know my
grandparents who live in that area. I've spent weeks during summers
previous as a young teenager, but never before has this urge to get to
know them intimately been stronger. And it won't stop there.
I'm
going to collect stories. Because for one, to know that someone wants
to hear your story is probably an amazing gift (at least I think so.)
But also, because a piece of each person will live in me... and I will
be able to tell my children an abundant amount of stories. Because, as
much as we hate to admit it, we are one people. God's children. And
each one of us deserves to tell the story of our life, the story of
God's life for us. And me? I want to know all of those stories.
If
you ever feel like sharing, just know that I'm willingly here to
"listen." I would love it as a matter of fact :) You are important to
God, and you are important to me.
With all love,
Sami
Comments (3)
the more I see that people just want to talk. And they want someone to
listen. People who believe in something and people who don't...they just
need someone to listen, most the time :)
That is amazing. I'm glad that you're doing that. Too many people are unwilling to listen.
Thanks! : )
Did you see the link in the Faith or Fact post? If you have time,please go to that and read some of the other things there. Some of it will sound familiar. lol. But there is something about Numerology in the Bible found there. It may sound quite dull by the title, but it is ridiculously incredible! So if you don't mind and find the time, please look at it. I think you'll enjoy it. Anywho, I hope to hear from you later! : ) Thanks again!
And I hope you have an amazing day!