Were You Talking to Me? (07/11/2024)

It happens to me frequently. I was walking from the store to my car when a gentleman nearby spoke. I turned, looked at him, and asked, “Were you talking to me?”  He nodded and thus began our 10-minute conversation in the parking lot of Kwik Trip.

At first, he asked me about my car and what kind of mileage I was getting. Then he gave me some tips to make my mileage even better.  I mentioned that I’d traveled for the diocese extensively, but that I’d never gone that far north and that I was hoping to see some new sights.  That’s when he began giving me all kinds of tips for places to go and things to do. Then he shared that the Catholic hospital in the city had closed and what a hardship it was going to be. I told him how sorry I was to hear that. Then as I started to move back toward my car, he told me to wait a minute. He reached into his car and took out a box of wafer cookies. He handed them to me. “Something for the nibbly cravings,” he said. I thanked him. Then he said, “One more thing.  Do you know why a dog is man’s best friend?” I admitted I had personal theories, but I was eager to hear his. “Simple,” he said with a grin, “Spell dog backwards.” Then he turned and walked away.

The time with this gentleman whose name I never learned seasoned my journey that day. It made what could have been a bland day memorable instead. I wasn’t sure at the end of our conversation if the LORD sent me to him or him to me. I ended up deciding it didn’t really matter.

As I reflected on my encounter, I remembered how many times my family has asked me why I spoke to someone I didn’t know. It happens to me frequently. Usually, it is me who initiates the conversation. And usually, it is a good conversation, except for the time last week when I stopped in the middle of the exit door at the market to catch a bag that was falling off the cart. I apologized to the gentleman. He shrugged and mumbled, “Whatever.” So, I don’t have a perfect record of productive spontaneous conversations.

My philosophy is that speaking to those around me, acknowledging their presence, thanking them if they help me, helping them if I see they need it, noticing them and honoring them with a greeting is part of the journey. Most encounters are brief, but some have led to long-time friendships.

We’re all on the journey of our life. We all need encouragement; we all need companionship. And it’s the little things that add up, I find.

I’m glad I slowed down on my journey that day to ask the man, “Were you talking to me?” I’m grateful for our conversation. I think I will keep being open to conversations with others I meet along the way. I’m pretty sure that’s part of my job description.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.