I'm a friendly person. I can strike up a conversation with just about anyone, including drooling babies. But lately, people have been seeking me out just to talk. Maybe I have this expression on my face that says, "Share anything you want; I'm all yours." Today, while waiting in line at Costco, this man engaged me in a conversation and told me that he'd noticed me walking around the store because he thought I looked like his ex-girlfriend. He proceeded to tell me all about his ex. How he took her to Italy...(she went with him as a virgin and came back as a virgin.) He told me that she walked out on him without leaving a note and, get this...even her own mother thought that she was stupid for leaving him. I learned everything about Ms. Ex...she jilted him for a twice divorced man with 4 kids etc...All of this I found out in the course of about 5 minutes.
A few weeks ago, a man that was standing in line behind me at the grocery store decided to get up in my personal space. (When I can feel and smell your breath, you are way too close.) He was literally talking in my ear. He kept calling me 'baby' and 'sweetheart'. He told me about his views on life- unfair. He talked about his 'old lady' and said, "if 'mama' ain't happy then no one is happy..." I was taught to always be polite so I kept a smile on my face and nodded a lot. I couldn't wait until it was my turn to check out.
Then, a few months ago, this lady approached me and started telling me about how she had gotten injured on the job and was fired unfairly. She went on to tell me that she would be going to court soon and asked if I would go with her. I sympathized, nodded my head and told her that I hoped things got better. Finally she said, "Okay, so my friend, I'll see you at the courthouse? You come to my house first, okay?" Not wanting to disappoint, I told her that I would be there.
I realize that I'm a lot like my dad. My father was a rather quiet man, who talked to everyone. He knew all about the mail man, the meter reader and trash man. He would say, "Oh, that's Ben...He's a good guy... been dumping trash for 15 years. His wife is visiting family out of state..." My dad knew people that I never could imagine that he would know. When music mogul, Barry Gordy Sr. was alive he would attend the same church. My father would chat with him before he entered church each Sunday.
Dad crossed paths with a lot of unusual people. Even though he didn't get out as much as he used to, he 'met' a lot of people; celebrities, athletes and entertainers. My dad knew everybody! If I want to know about Magic Johnson, my dad will say, "Yeah, Magic just bought his wife a new house...their kids are doing well..." About Tiger Woods, my dad would say, "That Tiger isn't looking too good right now...." When I spoke to him on the phone, I expected my dad to say, "Hey did you hear about so and so? Yeah, that dummy broke up with his wife..." It was funny because my dad didn't know these people personally; but he knew all about them. I had no idea how he found out his information, especially since he didn't have a computer, but he's always knew.
I'm glad that I'm like my dad. I believe that every encounter happens for a reason and also believe in divine appointments. When I'm chatting it up with an elderly lady in the store, I feel good knowing that our meeting is a part of His plan. After all, I might be filling a need for someone who is lonely. I may not realize the impact that my passing conversations may have but I do know that I am blessed to share a smile, a laugh or maybe connect with someone who might be in need of a friend
As weird as it may seem, I also believe that God is present even when we least expect it. We are called to love and respect everyone just as Christ did when He walked this earth. So, I embrace the unexpected grocery store interruptions. Who knows? My next encounter might actually be God with skin on. Do you chat with people wherever you go? I'd love to hear about it.