I have been told everyone has a story. I believe that. I also believe that in most homes there are several photos behind the current one in the same frame. It is the oldest Mom hack in the world to save time, money and space.
Occasionally I was surprised by what I found behind my parents framed photos. Usually it was a cascade of photos one older than the next of the same person but then I would find a hidden photo I never knew existed and it was totally unrelated to what was displayed in the frame.
One of my friends undid some old family frames and found pencil sketches from a well known New York dress designer. She had no idea where they came from or why her Mom chose to put something over them but after just a little research she discovered not only were they a found treasure but very valuable .
The story as to how they got there will remain a mystery.
The people we meet everyday or have known for awhile are a lot like those picture frames. Often I am blinded by what I see on the outside and have no idea what the story is behind those many faces.
Those stories may remain a mystery if we don’t take the time to listen.
One young man recently shared online about an event in his high school gym class. It was a spontaneous act of kindness that turned into an unforgettable memory and a pivotal point in his life and the life of another. At his young age he knew there was more to this person than what he saw and he took a chance.
He was in ninth grade and he and a buddy were chosen to pick co-ed teams to play basketball for their semester long gym class. He went to make his first pick and a girl in the very back of the classroom caught his eye. She was an unlikely first choice. Not athletic, slightly chubby and not very outgoing. Still he said “Why not” and he chose her. She questioned it by saying “You mean me?” She even asked him in a whisper when she got to the front of the room “Are you sure you want me?” “Absolutely” was the response. He went on to say he filled his team with all kinds of kids and he remembers having so much fun passing the ball, laughing and enjoying the game.
Fast forward to graduation and the girl he picked first found him and asked him if he remembered that gym class. Of course I do he replied! She told him that was the first time she had ever not been the last one picked and also the first time she was the first one chosen.
A simple kind gesture with ever lasting effects.
The other thing that struck me was what he remembered. Not the score, or how many baskets were made or how many games his team won but how much fun they had playing together. Kids sports could learn something from this guy.
Actually we could all learn something. I know I did.
We have a fabulous library in our community complete with a used book store that is comfy, cozy and inviting. I volunteer there and it is one of my favorite places because of the people I meet.
While volunteering I have found that people are often hungry for conversation and with one or two questions I am blessed to hear their stories. The more I hear, the more I am grateful I asked a few questions to get the ball rolling. I have heard of girls nights out with famous people, incredibly hard childhoods, and being put on a train at age 12, ( in the 1940’s) alone with no money and the kindness of strangers who made sure this young girl was fed and taken care of during her trip.
One of the most optimistic and cheerful people I have gotten to know has an unbelievable story of illness that will curl your hair and yet she is always smiling or as she says ” I’m not suppose to be here but here I am and I am going to make the most of every day”.
Stories of resilience, joy, grace and fortitude are ours to be had with a question and the time to listen. If we don’t ask these treasures will be lost.
I have searched for a long time for my niche as a writer. A dear friend of mine’s niche was to “Choose Joy and Bless Others” and she did that her entire life. Whenever her name comes up, those who knew her can’t help but smile.
My niche was right in front of me but perhaps hidden like those photos piled up in a frame. The stories I hear, the people who are willing to tell them need to be written and I’ve applied for that job. I see it as a treasure hunt that will fill my heart and I hope yours as well.
I hope in the coming months to bring you more stories of grace, kindness, fortitude and resilience. Those are treasures that are true heart deposits.
May you also stumble upon some great stories in your own life that buoy you up and fill your heart.
As always, keep triing,
Jennifer