Monday, 21 July 2008
-
Entertaining Angels
"Everyday we run into friendly people and we don’t even know it.... If you just tripped over a curb, proving to the world your inability to walk and chew gum and someone says, “Are you okay?” don’t be afraid or embarrassed. Have that conversation, that’s when life happens. If you don’t interact with the rest of the world then you’re the only one missing out." --Brett, Amtrekker.com
Brett's journey, well-documented on his fascinating website, revolves around the truth of that statement. Depravity be damned, the genuine kindness of strangers adds verve to life. Brett is travelling America, marking off life-goals from a list of 50 experiences he wants to have and he's not going home until all 50 are complete. In the meantime, he's run into dozens of interesting people whose kindness and generosity have clearly had an impact on him.
Reading through Brett's blog of this journey has reminded me of some of my experiences with total strangers that bring a smile to my face now, even years later. I think of a two-hour conversation I had with an alcoholic homeless man on the streets of London. His pain and his weakness still touch me.
A kind grad student who was able to explain the train routes to me when I was lost in Philly on the way home from a mission trip. An elderly, Zambian bishop's weariness with the world. Another homeless man in a bus station who drew a portrait of me in exchange for some french fries. His friendliness and perseverance stay with me even now. A self-proclaimed "Christian Buddhist" whose obviously-once-sharp mind had been dulled by years of drug abuse.
Other people have influenced my life who might have stayed strangers had I not stepped out of my self-important world on rare occassions. Two older women janitors at the church where I used to work come to mind immediately. Both women were compassionate and cared deeply about the people with whom they had contact and I'm thankful to have known them.
Brett's quote at the beginning of this post has a shocking amount of truth to it! Too often I'm concerned with the people and events that play out in the melodrama I call a life. It's easy to forget that people you meet suddenly and whose presence in your life is only tangental are human beings with their own stories. When you get the chance, learn their stories! You will never be disappointed and some have thus entertained angels without knowing it. And, like Christ at the well, you never know the kinds of needs you might find and the fulfillment that will come by being able to provide for them. Every human being has a story and we honor God by listening to each one.
-
recommend
- recs 0
-
share
-
email
- sent 0
Post a Comment