I heard Peggy Benson (wife of the late Bob Benson from Benson Publishing) speak way back in the early 1990's and have never forgotten feeling totally mesmerized while hearing her life's story. Here I am, nearly twenty years later, and I find the wisdom behind her words still ring true.
A couple of days ago while working my new booth space I met a pretty young woman whose personality reminded me so much of myself while in my early 30's. We began to chat and I listened as she shared a little bit about the journey of her own life and how disappointed she felt over where her past choices had led her...
She had lots of teenage dreams, but believed only a few of them had come true...
She looked at my Mr. AGPMan (who was working on lighting behind me) and shared how she prayed for a long and happy marriage and a peaceful childhood for her children.
She said she longed to give flight to her creative side and told me how she hoped one day to do something similar to what I was doing~
I smiled big at what I understood to be a compliment, but could barely keep my own emotions in check as I looked into her eyes. In them I saw a painful reflection of my own younger self... Someone once filled with the very same hopes and dreams as she, but one bound up with similar fears and insecurities about the future and the purpose behind the blessings given by the Lord...
"I have finally come to understand
that it is only in the silence that I
can hear the story of my life and
the voice of God talking to me
through the telling of it."
~Peggy Benson
As we parted ways I promised her I would pray for her and asked God to remind me to do so...
I have the telling of my own life-story down to a science, but I've never been good at listening...
I'm trusting this new adventure of mine will bring with it a greater purpose than just a way for me to peddle my wares~
I continue to understand that it's only when I allow the quieting down of my own spirit that I'm able to the hear story of my own life and what, if anything, about it He desires for me to share with others...
Blessings for a lovely Sunday!
Love to you...
14 comments:
It's amazing, isn't it, the glimpses we get into others lives when we open ourselves up to it. Some of those glimpses are not easy ones either because we often become vulnerable in act of just listening. Blessings to you this beautiful Sunday- xo Diana
Sweet Sunday Blessings to you, Rebecca!
I'd love to read your book that you're about to write!!!
Please autograph my copy!
Go for it,
d
This is such a good point. I'm so glad I read it today. Remember last Fall when we said we would get together some time? And, of course, we never have. But in 3 months I am moving much closer to where you are located. So, maybe we can really do it then. Yea!! : )
~Elizabeth
I'm in Chickasha. We're moving to N OKC in June. : )
~Elizabeth
The gift of listening:) Sweet conversation and I am sure she will not forget you and what you both shared! Have a blessed week dear friend, HUGS!
I know you were such an encouragement to that young woman! It is so wonderful that God could flow through you to minister to her.
Lisa...I believe God use her to minister to ME! xoR
Deanna...You are a huge blessing to me... YOU ARE! xoR
I am sure you made an impact on this young woman's life just by being there to listen. I think Einstein said, "coincidence is Gods way of being anonymous". Hope your hands are doing better.
Sweet blessings to you this Sunday morning, Rebecca.
Brenda
Rebecca, so many times people just need somebody to "listen" to them. I had a dear friend going through troubling times once, she called and asked if she could come over to talk..she talked, I listened, we cried..Before she left she thanked me for not trying to give her any advice or wisdom on my part. but thanked me for just listening...that is a gift in itself, don"t you think...
What a beautiful shop! What a beautiful story! What a beautiful person you are! Oh, we share so much in common. I miss you. I need to find that place of silence. Things have been hard lately as I have struggled to find peace in so many things. Your goodness shines through in all you do. Your posts encourage me always. Love you, sweet girl!
A beautiful, meaningful post~~~I believe listening is a "gift"~~~the people who had the most influence on my life were listeners. Blessings to you~~~Roxie
Sweet post, Rebecca, and thought-provoking quote by Peggy Benson! I honestly have struggled with my "story" in the past year. A turn in the road a little over a year ago that I have almost refused to accept and have given my Father a headache over...until recent days. I am learning to say "God's will be done and mine undone."...and really mean it and accept it. His story, not mine. I like this quote...it is a reminder that in acceptance lies peace as Elisabeth Elliott used to say.
Did I catch a bit of info that you are going to write a book? :) I would LOVE to buy a copy!!
xoxo Carolyn
Beautiful booth and I am sure it will bring successful sales. I feel this is going to be a GREAT year for you, as you aren't struggling with what direction & purpose to take in life. You seem joyfully focused.
Thinking of you often
Carol from "Good 'Ol Texas"
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