storyteller

In my homeland of New Mexico there is a common image - the Native American storyteller. There are variations on the theme; but it is basically a woman, surrounded by children with her mouth open because she is telling a story. Something like this.

Photo via The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (Wikimedia Commons)

Well, I recently participated in a real life reinactment.

Actually, I really like this picture and I am glad someone captured this moment. Recently, I have been surrounded by families and welcomed in to their lives in very meaningful and intimate ways.

While I may not have children of my own...to run round and round and round the dining table....or duck behind the couch because they just can't resist crawling in the space between it and the wall...or slide on the wood floor in their socks...or be amazed at the small trampoline in the basement...to color with or read to. Other people have kids that will come to my house and make the space a play zone or leave pretty pictures that they colored.

I am honored these families have invited me in to their lives and I like the frenzy of activity and creativity their children bring to our home.

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."



just Sheri, looking forward to the next storytime

house rules: no spectators

Spectator: an observer of an event

When I host a game night at our house, there is one rule: no spectators. Sure, it can be entertaining to watch. It's a lot more comfortable to sit and observe than to create...it's also a lot easier to be a critic from the side lines. 

I make this rule because we [humans] are made to be active participants, rather than observers. The best products, or experiences, come when shared and each person gives their unique contribution. Criticism becomes more constructive when there is "skin in the game" or ownership of the activities and their end product.

I shared this house rule at a recent birthday party with friends: no spectators.

I've been thinking about it in relation to church.

[insert photo of one person at the front speaking and all others sitting and listening]

Church wasn't made to be a spectator sport. It wasn't meant to be entertainment that we come to watch. While it might be more comfortable to sit and observe rather than to create - we miss out on life changing, full on, mind blowing experiences; because our comfort zone keeps those things out. An environment where ownership isn't shared is ripe for criticism and discontent - when things aren't going right, who's problem is it? Not mine. I am not in charge, they are.

I want to be a part of something where folks are engaged. Where things are happening and where each person's unique contribution (regardless of age, gender, race, or background) has a place to grow and develop and be shared. Me and a few of my friends are setting out on an adventure to create such a place. 

Where will it lead? Only God knows....

just Sheri, embarking on a new adventure