I Will Never Tell a Story like That by Rachel Leitch

I Will Never Tell a Story like That

by Rachel Leitch

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end”

(Ecclesiastes 3:11, CSB).

Have you turned a book’s final page or watched movie credits with despair? Discouraging thoughts waylaid me in the past after I compared some else’s finished work to my unpublished ideas.

“I will never tell a story like that.”

My conclusion held a measure of truth because God hasn’t given me that tale to tell. Instead, I have my own narrative to share. God designed my story for me—even the painful and mundane parts that I’d rather omit.

Everything I write flows out of my life. God prompts me to scavenge through all the pieces to help others. He calls me to unfold my beautiful and less-than-lovely moments to tell his truth to others.

Just as God directs my words, he draws readers to receive them. My story could help others feel seen for the first time. The wisdom I gained through difficulties may uphold them through a dark day, or month, or year. My shared hope may infuse them with a smile during a tedious week.

God created a special place for our compositions. He “placed eternity in our hearts.” Our words might reach farther and wider than we can fathom. With God as our source, our well-told tales will go exactly where they need to go.

I still finish others’ stories and think, I will never tell a story like theirs. But now I curl up with my notebook and a good cup of chai afterwards—because I don’t need to tell their story. God has given me my own.

God, thank you for making the story I write and live beautiful and important, even the parts I’d rather skip. Show me how to live well and give me the courage for that. Thank you, because I know you will complete what you have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rachel Leitch writes authentic stories of self-discovery in the form of historical young adult tales with a dash of adventure or a spark of magic. She authored The Odd Duck Society in the Springtime in Surrey novella collection from Wild Blue Wonder Press. Claim your free short story at racheljleitch.com and follow her on Instagram @racheljeitchauthor.