"All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them" (Matthew 13:34).

The man at the piano played a rousing introduction, and then the notes drifted into a melody that spun a tale of its own. A strong tenor voice broke into music with the words "tell me a story," and the captivated audience at the teachers' convention listened as Ken Medema, pianist, singer, and storyteller, began his keynote address in an extraordinary way.

Over the course of several lectures, sessions, and impromptu songs, those at the convention learned the importance of sharing our stories with our students and allowing them to tell their own. Not only do stories give the listener a context, but they also provide an outlet for the teller. Everyone has a story to tell, and all our stories fit together in God's big story. Jesus used stories extensively when He was on Earth because He knew their importance in teaching and learning. As educators and parents, we need to take our cue from Jesus and incorporate storytelling into the teaching of the children in our care.

When is the last time you told a narrative about yourself to your class or your family? Children need to hear about the experiences that have shaped you and drawn you into God's story! Children also need to be encouraged to tell their own stories to see how their lives fit into God's master plan of salvation. Set aside time to share your stories today.

Father, thank You for using my life as an instrument to glorify your name in all I do and say. Help me to encourage my students to share their stories and use my personal stories as examples of how to live a Christian life. Give me strength to share the greatest story ever told, the story of Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.