Written By Itoro E. Udofia

NOTE: This is Part 2 of a 2 Part Series. Review previous post for Part 1.

This holiday season there are ways to integrate God into your gratitude story.

On the way to the store for the third time for that missing ingredient, or while waiting for the dough to rise there is time. Grab a cup of cider or tea and breathe in. Revel in the experiences that made you stronger and wiser. Become aware of the abundant streams of grace that wash over you.

Storytelling is an ancient art form. Within the biblical context it’s a form of teaching that we were commanded to do to preserve significant values communicated by God. (Deuteronomy 6:7, Deuteronomy 11)

Share your story.

How you share matters:

-Consider your audience. Share what is age appropriate and relevant.

-Seek to remain informal and carry a conversational tone.

-Provide an overview, highlight key points, and remain vulnerable.

-Focus on the character attributes of God and highlight the main lesson.

-Parallel your story to a similar story in the bible.

-Seek feedback on how the story impacted your listener.

-Create room for questions and space to listen. Perhaps your listener has a story of their own to share.

Build new traditions. Reimagine old traditions.

Break bread. Try a new recipe, one that highlights your cultural heritage and celebrates the diversity of those you’ll commune with.

Go to the kid table and engage with children in a new way. While feasting, playing games or shopping use your words. Share your story. Be the one to orchestrate change, allow your holiday traditions to be reimagined.