Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting in Roanoke. Diocesan convention starts today also in Roanoke, so a friend who also had to be at both offered for me to stay with her.
I pulled into the Hotel Roanoke to valet my car. As I emerged from the car the young valet said, “Are you checking in?” I responded, “Yes, well not really. Really my husband is checking in for us tomorrow night. Tonight I’m staying with someone else. I mean I’m staying with a friend. It’s a woman—we’re just friends,” I continued stammering. To his credit, he didn’t break eye contact and only looked slightly uncomfortable. I continued, “You really didn’t need to know all that did you?” “No ma’am,” he said, “I just need to know your last name.”
I’ve told that story a few times since it happened. Laughter usually ensues and for those who no me well, well let’s just say they’re not surprised. I may be known as an over sharer and definitely an over poster on social media!
But, this morning I have a different thought. What if instead of being embarrassed at the possible inappropriateness of the situation I continued? What if I added, “She’s one of my best friends and we haven’t seen each other in person in a couple of months. She’s one of my people outside of my family that loves me unconditionally, holds me accountable, and reminds me through her words and actions that I am a beloved child of God no matter what.” And then what if I said, “Do you have a person like that?”
What if instead of interacting with others with the bear minimum of conversation we shared our stories? And what if we invited others to share their stories with us? What connections could we make with others? Whose lives could be transformed?
I believe God invites us all to share our stories—to name where God is present in our lives and to invited others to do the same. All of our stories together combine with God's story to create the Kingdom of God.
Faithfully,
Katherine+
