Food for thought: How we tell a story

From Soul Graffiti: Making a Life in the Way of Jesus by Mark Scandrette:

How we tell a story depends on the themes we choose, and applies as much to the stories of our lives as to the story of a city. If we look at ourselves through the themes of weakness, failure, or disappointment, these are the tales we are likely to tell. Sometimes we become fixated on the most dramatic parts of our personal narratives, failing to notice the small and enduring themes of beauty. We may have to keep retelling our stories until they have more resonance with the grander narratives of creation and redemption. This may not be something we naturally do, but we can cultivate that kind of habit through our conversations with one another.