So many times, myself included, we travel through our everyday lives at the speed of life. We, most of us, have a routine. We stop here or there. We get stuff, we head off to work, or school, or whatever. We complete our assigned tasks. We head home. We wonder what we will eat for dinner. We miss our loved ones. We think of birthdays or Holidays coming up. We plan trips. We pay bills. For the most part, we live in our happy little bubbles.
What is the person’s name who sold us the coffee? What is your Mail Person’s name? Why is that thing there? What is this over here? Did you see that person on the corner? What were they doing? Did you know that the person who just cut you off in traffic was on their way to the Hospital? Did you see the old person on the bench? What did you miss? You would be surprised.
I started, a long time ago now, to slow down. I try to notice everything. Whenever I am dealing with someone, I notice their face. I notice their body language. I ask them, “How’s your day going?” You would be surprised how this simple question throws so many people off. Especially since I actually wait for the answer. Example? A girl named Nancy says, “That will be $9.62.” Me “Hey Nancy. How’s your day going?” Nancy stops thinking whatever she was thinking, looks at the register, looks up at me, thinks about it, then notices that I do not have my card or money ready to hand her. “Uh, OK.” Then, if the body language tells me she is happy, I tell her something fun. If tired, I say something like, “It’s almost over.” Or sad, I might even ask what’s wrong.
Nancy doesn’t know me, nor may she ever see me again, but for that moment, we connect. Someone really cares about her. She is no longer just a cashier, and I am no longer just a customer. We become two people having an actual conversation that means something.
I’m serious. Try this. Do it for a week. Especially with the people you actually see every day. Watch what happens. See what you learn. Why is that old person on the bench every day? Go ask. Say “Hi.” Did they just lose the love of their life for the past 40 years? Do they simply enjoy the fresh air? Feeding the squirrels? What is their story?
After all, we are cautioned in Hebrews 13:2
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Slow down. Stop even. Notice everything. Trust me, as I learned from experience. It can enrich our lives so much more than blind routines.
Peter