If we address stories as archaeological sites, and dust through their layers with meticulous care we find at some level there is always a doorway.~From The Ten Thousand Doors of Januray by Alex E. Harrow

I learned a new word this week: omnium-gatherum. The word is defined as a miscellaneous collection. Often I've felt my life could be described by such a phrase, yet more negative than positive--a mismatched plethora of scraps, faded photographs and dog-eared books. Mistakes and riddles unanswered, and a sprinkling of gold dust that sometimes reflected a life more shiny than it truly was.

Sometimes, maybe a lot, if I'm honest, I've identified or wanted to identify with other peoples' stories instead of my own. Individuals who are more physically attractive, richer, smarter. Better writers. Over the years I've strayed from my narrative. Discounted it. "Oh, anyone could have done that, or survived that." "I could have done more, most likely--I could have done a better job." "That accomplishment was merely a fluke. I probably could never do it again." My life downplayed. Minimized. 

Then I saw the photo of the door. I could not let its symbolism drift away. How was this image speaking? And why?

I sensed the the door represented an invitation for me to step over the threshold and into my own life. The door seemed to beckon: "Don't stand on the edges and watch. Step in. Explore what's on the other side. Own your history, Priscilla. Declare that your life miscellany is a lavish collection of artifacts. Your stories are bound in leather with adventurous titles such as The Woman Who Dared to Publish (And Lived to Tell About It), or Resilience: The New Art Form of the 21st Century.

How grieved must God be when we do not fully embrace our unique identities. How could our stories be anything other than glorious when He resides in our lives? Every fountain of delight springs up from your life within me.~Psalm 87:7 (The Passion Translation)

What of you? Are you hovering on the threshold? Move courageously forward to embrace the beauty, the mystery of your narrative, your preferences, your gifting, your priceless, miscellaneous collection. Omnium-gatherum.