Last week I had two interesting experiences that were somewhat similar.
First, I attended a patriotic program (week of President’s Day) at my girls’ elementary school. It was so cute, and all the kids did a great job. I love that our school emphasizes patriotism and goes above and beyond to teach the children respect and gratitude for our country and those who serve and defend it in various forms (not just miliary but political office and being good citizens). Getting to the school and going through the process to get in for an all school program like this is not my favorite thing, I especially get frustrated finding a parking spot since parking is quite limited at the school and there are “No Parking” signs all along the streets surrounding the school because it is in a neighborhood. As I was walking up to the line of parents and grandparents attending the event, I started talking to a woman in line next to me. I didn’t know her. I don’t even know why I started the conversation. That is not like me at all. I don’t really start up random conversations with strangers. But, we got to talking … and we talked throughout the entire time I was at the program. We didn’t chat during the performances, but in between when the kids were going on and off the stage or while we were waiting for it to start or at the end when people were filing out. It was a wonderful experience. I feel like I made a new connection, a new friend. Her kids were similar in age to my own, but in different grades. She was new to the school this year and we found lots of things to talk about including the school, but even outside that topic.
Only one hour after this school program, I had my second experience making a new friend, chatting it up with someone I did not know. We were volunteering for an after school activity, and I’m sure I’d at least seen her before if not talked to her briefly. I couldn’t remember her name. She came up to me and said, “Hey, you look familiar. Have we talked before? Have we volunteered together before?” I laughed and agreed we probably had. A conversation ensued and we talked for quite a while. It was refreshing and fun to hear her experiences and insights on the venue for the kids.
By the end of these two events, I admit I was physically exhausted. I was tired and ready to be done for the day, but spiritually and emotionally I felt uplifted, enriched, even strengthened. I had to chuckle as I told my husband about my afternoon that night over family dinner. He was not all that surprised I had talked to these women, though I still am. It is really not like me. Sure, I can talk the ear off my friends and family – people I am super comfortable with – but rarely do I chat up a stranger.
The very next day I started listening to a podcast with Ed Mylett and Charles Duhigg. I have read books by both these gentlemen and businessmen before. Great books (The Power of Habit and The Power of One More). But the podcast talked about Charles Duhigg’s recent release of his new book Supercommunicators. I just got it and cannot wait to read it. I’ll have to make a book review post about it after I do.
The main points they discussed in this podcast hit home as I reflected on my day talking to those ladies at random. As humans, we long to connect with other people on a deeper level than simply the weather or the task we are presently sharing. We want to know what people think and feel, but with strangers or even general acquaintances, it can be awkward. Further, I was thinking about Heavenly Father’s plan for us. We are not meant to navigate this world alone. We are sent here to live in families (yes, not all families look the same and there are unique circumstances, but God’s plan centers around the family). We have ward families, neighborhoods, communities, societies, states, provinces, nations. Many groups gather for different reasons, but regardless of the reason, people need people. We each are given unique gifts and strengths from God to help us help each other on our journey back to Heaven. Jesus Christ was the best example of this in the New Testament. He served, loved, gave, sacrificed and shared His true self with others. He still shares Himself with us if we seek Him.
I pray that we do and that we will. I know I am going to make a purposeful effort to connect to others, even strangers, throughout my day. I will choose to not make it awkward and press forward in faith in Christ and His example; in addition, I will strive to see other as God sees them – His children, my brothers and sisters on this earth. We can find connection. We can share on this journey of mortal life.
How do you think you do with chatting it up with strangers? What tips or tricks do you have that help you?