A powerful present of presence

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

Partial Table of Contents