Storytelling in my life...

My Mom loved history, and as children we often stood in the steamy kitchen, as colorful ancient warriors, lovers and politicians plotted and danced in and out of the pot she was stirring.

From an early age I heard Bible stories, and stories about World War II and our family history. And some of them gave me a clear understanding of what life can offer.

Here are some examples:

• At preschool age, the story of King Solomon - and his having to choose wisdom or riches - created such a huge question, that it definitely required a decision on my part. If only God would ask me that question, I thought, I'd ask for wisdom. That story has stayed with me to this day.

• William and Mary from the royal houses of England and Holland had an arranged marriage at the age of 12 or so. Poor little Mary did not want to go to drizzly Holland, so far from her family, and she felt nothing for William. The story goes, that she decided to learn to love him, and they had a legendary close relationship. All through life, this story led me to believe that even love - let alone many other circumstances - were in my control, and I could DECIDE how to live them.

• Way back in the beginning there was a story, where a little prince in Europe wandered among the regular population and was mistreated because his rank didn't show. Only one child treated him well and was eventually rewarded. I took it to mean that we must look for deeper layers to love in those we meet. There have been times when I changed roles and also suffered the pain of being misjudged - bringing home this lesson all the more.