The Parables of Life

We all have a story to tell. We all have a journey that we are on that is molded and changed with each passing day. Hopefully this path is toward God, and we are walking on the "good path". Yet, we all have this story whether good or bad, nice or ugly, exciting or boring. Yes, God works through what we might think is boring.
There is someone at school here, who I will keep anonymous because it is unimportant, that was scared to tell their story. This person did not want to share anything, and did not want to be involved with anyone because they were under the impression that they would only get hurt. Now some of us would think it was ridiculous that someone would not want to share their story but it's actually more amazing to me how many people are comfortable with sharing their story. You think about it you have these intimate interactions with people, and these hurts and joys that you have suffered and celebrated in. This is your life, and we don't even think about it, we just kind of do it. And there is nothing wrong with that... but are we being honest with people.
These stories are not to be taken lightly, one of Jesus main ways of teaching his diciples and those around him was through parables. Stories that had a meaning behind them, that he wanted others to see something in. He wanted these stories to speak to people and help them grow and give illustrations so that the lessons were easily remembered.
So I ask again... are we taking our stories seriously? Sure we tell our story to other people, and that is a good thing. But are we sugar coating it? Are we truly opening up our story to people so that they can see us for who we are and where we have come from? I know that I tend to leave out parts that are hurtful, or I think are embarrassing. The parts I don't want people to know I don't tell. Yet, is it these parts that are the ones that need to get out. Now, I am not saying go to everyone and tell them all your embarrassing things and all the things you are ashamed of, because I don't think that is right either. Yet, I think when we are telling those we care about our story, to sugar-coat is like having the Lord of the Rings books, without Sauron, the ring, or orcs. Yes, you still have the journey of Frodo, but you are missing out on a lot of the story, and probably why Frodo reacts and thinks the way he does near the end of the story.
When we tell our story and leave out the Rings, and Saurons and Orcs of our life, we are still getting the main journey in, but we are not doing God justice. Jesus taught parables, our story is a way of teaching others. We may not directly think we are teaching, but by telling your story you are teaching others about who you are... where god has brought you from, and the power of God in your own life. I think that we owe it to ourselves and to God to share with others (again not with everyone) but with some, the story God has written for us.
This person at school, they did not share their story, but they did share enough to admit that they had not accepted Christ. They admitted that they wanted to accept Christ. And they started a new chapter and accepted Christ. The growth is just starting. And I pray that they will be able to share their story to other, even if it is not me. Because I believe others will be touched by God through it. And others will be touched by God through your story if you are willing to share your own Parable.