A powerful present of presence

12/7/2022

By Lavern Nissley
Encompass executive director

In December our blog post themes center around the words "present" and/or "presence."

Have you ever wondered what a movie or a series of your life would look like? We watched and enjoyed "The Crown" series about the life of Queen Elizabeth. Someone has remarked that a person's life is the "dash" on the gravestone between the birth and death dates. Sobering.

Our daughter, Kristen, gave Ronda and me an interesting gift subscription to Storyworth about a year ago. Here's the big idea behind Storyworth: Everyone has a story worth sharing. Preserve meaningful moments and memories in a beautiful keepsake book. Then, share the experience with loved ones and discover stories you never knew.

I'd like to share my own experience of responding to 50+ questions the past year (one per week) and how it affected me. I hope my children and grandchildren will find it meaningful.

I just turned 65 last Friday, December 2. A year ago the Storyworth subscription was one of the gifts I received, and I'm so very grateful for this powerful medium to transmit stories to the next generation and those to come. Although I can't speak for those who will be reading the 180+ pages of my life story responses, here are four ways I was affected.

Memories, whether good or bad, are part of my life tapestry. I was struck with the mix of accomplishments I was proud of and enjoyed writing about. But then there were those events and interactions that brought pain, regret, or shame. I actually found it freeing to "put it all out there" and refrain from painting an idealistic picture of my "dash."
People are at the center of what life stories are about. Yes, there are various non-people intensive responses throughout my own collection of stories. But I found it inspiring to look back and re-visit so many people and their contributions to my life. As a relationship educator and coach I don't regret working on my own people skills as well as helping others grow in theirs.
Responses to the questions came easily. I didn't come across one that "stumped" me or left me speechless. That's the beauty of this approach - to begin reflecting on subjects and topics not normally addressed in a typical day. I was surprised at how much I had to say at times along with an appreciation for the gift of memory.
I am grateful for my "dash" and the opportunities to bless others. Deep and abiding values emerged as I realized that ultimately my life is not primarily about me. It is about faithfulness to my God, my wife, my family, and my neighbor. Micah 6:8 says it very succinctly about what God requires: "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Within the next week or so I hope to wrap up my editing in the yearlong Storyworth adventure. From there the content will be published into a hardcover keepsake that my children will be able to read. It would be great to have a corresponding post or two from them on how this impacted them.

Storyworth is truly one of the best presents you can give a parent who is 50 or older. How precious to retain such a collection of life stories and memories - to literally feel their "presence" with you in a way not constrained by time or death.

Go to Storyworth