Storytime and Happy Endings

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. —1 Corinthians 2:9, KJV

One of my favorite childhood memories was story time with my Mama on stormy nights. Daddy would be working the second shift, and we three girls would climb into Mama’s bed while my older brother reclined in a chair across the room.

Lightning and thunder provided visual and sound effects as Mama began her tale about scary things. We hung on her every word, breathless with anticipation.

Mama knew how to build suspense.

She would reach the climax of the story and pause dramatically.

Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we would beg her to continue.

She never disappointed. My love of hearing my mama’s stories led to a love for reading. Daddy encouraged us by buying lots of books.

I remember reading about social etiquette, multiple personality disorders, the El train, Asimov’s last question, and many other things.

We bought comic books and imagined ourselves as the hero or heroine.

I read a true story about the faith of a real-life cowboy and his wife and the personal struggles they faced. I also read a book about the promise made to Abraham and Sarah and the greatest story ever told. One day, I decided to read the Bible.

I found stories of intrigue, danger, romance, and supernatural beings. Just like real life, some stories had happy endings, while others did not.

Nowadays, I do not bother reading fiction unless I know there will be a happy ending. I read reviews online and excerpts before buying the book.

If the book does not end happily, I do not bother taking the journey.

I gravitate toward stories that are faith-based, informative, inspiring, and have happy endings. I love endings where the characters overcome the chaos of life.

I imagine most of us want our life story to have a happy ending.

Those who accept the sacrifice of God’s Son do not have to wonder how their story ends. The promise of eternal life is well documented in His Book.

When we entrust our life stories, with their trials and joys, to the Master Storyteller, we can be assured of a happy ending that will last for eternity. “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7, NIV).

Barbara Burris Neequaye