Unseen Narratives: Learning from Those Around Us

She was elderly—very elderly—and had an unmistakable odor. Her clothing was tattered, and her hair unkempt. Every Sunday, she sat in the second row of the church and often walked forward during the invitation at the end of the service to share a testimony about how great her God had been to her and her mentally challenged son. As children, we would often feel a sense of impatience when we noticed her stepping forward, as it signaled that we would have to wait several more minutes before being dismissed. Our focus was on playing outside rather than on listening to an elderly woman share her experiences with God.

In our busy, fast-paced lives, we seldom take the time to remember, reflect, or adjust our lives. Isaiah 46:9 states, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." The childhood memories of that elderly woman's testimonies and lessons shared by parents and teachers are important to recall, as they helped shape who we are today. Our capacity to remember is a gift. As II Thessalonians 2:15 reminds us, "...hold on to the traditions that you were taught by us."

While we all have dark moments in our past that we may wish to forget, even those experiences can serve as valuable lessons. As we take the time to reflect on these stories and events, we should be open to adjusting our lives and making necessary changes. This may involve slowing down, listening more, speaking less, or even altering our course in life.

The man on the street corner, the elderly gentleman walking in the mall, the children playing outside, and even the elderly woman with an unpleasant smell—they all have stories to tell and reasons for being. We can learn something from each of them. Remember those from your past, observe those in front of you today, and be prepared for many more who will cross your path in the future. Slow down, and take the time to learn from them all.