“Daddy, what do you do all day?”

“Daddy, what do you do all day?”

“I help people know Jesus.”

“How do you do that?”

“Well, sweetheart, you could say that I’m a storyteller.  I tell stories about God.   In sermons, articles, blog posts, the books that I write, even in the bedtime stories I tell you.  Sometimes they’re stories about people who are lost and then are found.  Other times they’re stories that show the wonder of God’s creation.  Maybe the story presents a big problem that has to be solved or a hero who has to learn something.  Sometimes the stories don’t even mention God, but don’t worry, He’s in the background of all of them.”

“Why do you tell all these stories, daddy?”

“I want to be an encourager to people, sweetie.  When I tell these stories, I’m pointing out reasons for hope.  Maybe my stories can help people see things in a new way, comfort them in their pain, or help them trust they’re doing the right thing.  I encourage in other ways, too.  I meet with people and listen to their stories: their fears and their hopes, their pains and their pride, their dreams and their despair.  I ask lots of questions.  If I can, I help by connecting them to someone else I know, sharing a story of encouragement, or simply praying with them.”

“Wow.  You must have a lot of stories.”

“I sure do.  I know stories from history, the movies, great books, biographies, and of course the stories that people tell me.   I use the stories of the Bible and the stories about the heroes and heroines of the church.  I’m always on the lookout to see where God is at work in the world.  It doesn’t have to be just stories: I see God’s hand in nature, science, art, music, and many other places.  You could say I collect all kinds of inspiring things.  And then, when I see a need, I dip into my collection to find something helpful.  I’m like a museum curator who oversees a huge collection of great art, and who brings out the best and most interesting pieces for the visitors to enjoy.  So, you could say that I’m a curator of inspiration.”

“That sounds like a lot of fun.  But daddy, I have a question.”

“Yes, sweetie?”

“Can you tell me a story?”

“Sure can.  Once upon a time there was a little girl….”