So, what's your story?

Tonight's Friday Night Thought Tale hour at the Henderson's is at the end of a week filled with many dramatic stories that have crossed our lives. It seems like the more people you know, the more opportunity there is for an astonishing moment when you hear about a turn or an adventure that they have encountered.

The power of just a few words or actions is something I realized this week is insanely underrated.  Not only are they influential, but they have real endurance.  We humans are terribly decisive when it comes to determining another person's character, importance and sadly, value.  It's probably true that some are more decisive than others, and usually with some good excuses regarding previously being caught off guard.  But even those who are more open to the benefit of the doubt can probably honestly admit that they notice the mistakes others make far more than they note the gold stars.  Perhaps this is why we often find ourselves cynically fading to just not caring what other's think of our actions or words.  We own the fact that we can quickly pass judgment, so why not expect that we can't control what others decide for us?  After all, you usually can't go back and correct an errant word or action that has settled into someone's psyche.  But does this mean we should just surrender part of what another person will recount as our 'story'?  What if we can make a significant difference in that life by just showing that there is always a chance to correct, show mercy, apologies or pay penitence?

My dear soul sister, Ava, shared a poem this week called "Silver Boxes."  Paraphrasing, it talks about the times when we act or speak thoughtlessly, bringing hurt to others and casting a shadow on our character. The poem finds the writer coming to a turning point when he thinks about being on the other side of carelessness, and how they had even prevented him from accomplishing great and mighty things that could have made a big difference in his life.  His 'story' had been altered because of a lack of care.  He asks for God to help him to see his words as gifts wrapped up in silver boxes, neatly tied with a bow, and to see his life and words as a chance to share the type of unconditional love that he knows from God with others. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could strive to do this in all situations we encounter each day?  From the people, we share a home with, to the person at Wendy's drive-thru - all the recipients of something good. What they do with it, is up to them.  But I'd wager it probably won't derail them.

So tonight, as you look at your friends list on social media, or your contacts in email, stop to consider what might be your story.  What small, or great action can you take to be sure they have more of the story that perhaps can better their lives?  Might as well start living the life you want to be eulogized, because sooner or later, the story will end.  We are drinking something called "Lost for Words," because it's time to stop talking, texting and writing and just enjoy the evening.  CHEERS FRIENDS!

Joy's "Lost for Words" cocktail

1/3 oz Grey Goose® vodka
1/3 oz Old Smoky Cherry Moonshine
1/3 oz cherry juice
1 cherry

Drop a cherry into a shot glass. Add the cranberry and cherry juice, then add the vodka. Place the lid from the cherry jar over the shot glass, and shake. Drink, making sure you eat the cherry last as it gives the sensation of Lost Words.