I've learned many things from my children. There are the usual ones. Perseverance. Patience. Where their mother hides the candy. Perhaps the best is sharing. Not the candy, of course, but when something awesome happens, sharing that happiness and joy with anyone who will listen.

As first-time parents, Beverly and I got to experience "potty training". I felt the ability to use the toilet was a hallmark of civilized society. Alas, our young son was not remotely interested. Discussing, arguing, threatening, begging, offering bribes--nothing worked. But in time (eons in Parent Years) he changed his mind. The event had become an awesome personal accomplishment.

To celebrate, we took him to a nice family restaurant. He was excited. We were excited. What could happen? Mid-way through the meal, he whispered, "I need to go." I was so proud. He scrambled out of the booster seat and marched off to the restroom.

Halfway he suddenly stopped and turned to a crowded table. With perfect clarity and quite a strong voice, he happily announced, "I'm going to poop."

I considered walking past as though I had never before seen the boy, but immediately congratulations (and laughter) thundered from the diners. And that made my son even happier. Thankfully there was no time to waste and we hurried along.

I learned an important lesson that day. When something awesome happens, I need to share my story. No, not need. I want to. Sharing brings happiness and joy to others, and seeing their new happiness and joy increases my own. And that is especially true of a God story.

A God story? That's a real life encounter with the Living God. It's when we experience Him! We're lonely, hurt, or broken, and He brings His presence, love, and forgiveness. We're in trouble or sad, and He rescues us and brings us joy. Or we're just out for a walk, and He simply joins us.

Every God story has the same plot. We need Him! For some unique, personal reason...we need Him. Suddenly something happens--maybe huge, maybe small--and we realize He's there with us...completely, absolutely meeting our deepest need.

The Apostle Paul wrote that God comforts us so that we can comfort others, not by our own cleverness but with the comfort we received from Him. (see 2 Corinthians 1:4) That is the purpose of our God stories. Share with God's people who are in need (Romans 12:13). And we are always in need.

God wants us to use our experiences with Him, sharing them with all who will listen. We are the vessel through which His comfort flows into the lives of those who desperately need Him. We should be excited about that. He provides the people and the opportunity. All we have to do is to stop, turn to them, and say, "Want to hear what amazing thing happened to me?"

I encourage you to share your God stories. In fact, you can share them through us. We'll even help you write them. It doesn't matter how young or old you are, what land you call home, or if you're new to the faith or a Bible scholar. Your stories will remind people that God's not dead. He's alive and well, and with us every moment of every day.