My wife and I have a tradition that entered its second year this Christmas. We write out own story from the previous year. That story includes themes that we saw in our life the previous year, ways that the Lord provided, what we have learned, significant events and so on and so forth. We each prepare our own story and then we share them with each other on New Years Day and enjoy a meal out. (Eating out is a special occasion for us because we do it so rarely) Through sharing these stories with each other we are really able to understand the role that we played in each others life and exactly how our own personal stories have been shaped by the events and relationships of the previous year.

The idea of telling stories as a way of strengthening relationships is illustrated in this excerpt from a book that I am currently reading.

"One of the characteristics of our church culture at Brentwood involves a long standing pattern of teaching through story telling. It has always been one of the distinct components we wouldn't want to change. Our relationship closeness depended on sharing faith stories with each other. It still does. our congregation seems to open her arms to those who get personal."
-Sue Mallory "The Equipping Church"

Telling your own story creates a certain vulnerability and enables others to see the role that they play in your life. Once again my challenge to you is to share the story of how those around you have impacted your life. Sharing highs and lows within a small group setting allows each person to see and understand the role that we play in each others life story.