Everyone has at least one interest outside of the usual. I find that when one really enjoys something, that it is easy to talk about it. Equally true is the mantra that when one does not enjoy a subject, or is not interested, it is hard to talk about it.
I recently showed two different visitors my sauna. As I talked of the Norwegian wood, special Finnish heater, and tailored design, I could feel the warmth from sessions with friends washing over me. I explained the grain of the wood was very tight, making it ideal for anyone interesting in have a sauna. I talked of the weight of the stones, how they stored the heat in a way that made the experience deeper and more consistent. I pointed out that the lid allowed one to quickly bring the room up to a reasonable temperature. As I began to talk of oils and how one brought the water into the mix with harmony, I turned and caught a glimpse of their expression.
Those that believe and enjoy have a hard time understanding anyone that does not.
I took a deep breath and paused. As I slowed my story, I found that my visitors were catching up with me. The obvious was now clear. This was not my walk. This was a walk through for them.
I am still not sure that they cared about the detail. I do know that believers often share their stories with a powerful passion. Individuals have done this for generations. An old writer tells how soon the “news all over Ephesus among both Jews and Greeks. [How] the realization spread that God was in and behind this.” (Acts 19.17) It was because of someone’s belief.
My visitors never expressed an interest in having a sauna experience. My timing could have been off. It was a hot summer day in Southern California. It is hard to accept that they may not be interested. I know saunas are wonderful, anytime of the year. I also know that indicators can be difficult to accept.
