I recently meet someone I had never met before. Although a friend of mine had exchanged emails and telephone calls, they had never met either. I look back on our conversation and wonder how it started. A casual observer would have thought that we had known each other for years. As we talked about past, present, and future, the conversation wandered everywhere. Nothing was out of bounds. Work, hobbies, passions, friends, and fears were just the beginning.
As I think about it, one part of the conversation stands out to me at the moment. The subject was a company where two of them had worked. The observation made in hindsight was bluntly honest.
“I never considered transferring to another department. I needed to get out of these to save my sanity! I was slowly going crazy.”
The move was made in an effort to be in a better place. There were no easy wins. Several jobs later, things are better. While not easy, one can see possibilities.
I wonder how long I have been stuck in certain ruts. Habits are hard to break. Life patterns are difficult to change. Even when one desperately wants something different, it is not easy. Sometimes it takes a helping hand.
I forget that others are willing to help. Life has reminded me how others continue to reach out in an effort to steady my walk. In my best moments, I recognize and express my appreciation. Sometimes I miss the effort all together. Usually it is the efforts of those closest to me that I do not see. Even God’s actions go unnoticed. David’s comment sets my mind buzzing. “You [God] canceled my ticket to hell – that’s not my destination!” (Psalm 16.10) David saw action, listened to the conversation, and followed a new course.
Conversations, helping hands, and acts of kindness are intersections between our lives with others. Each is an opportunity for us to embrace More. It starts with slowing down, taking notice, and spending time. The conversation was amazing. I hope it is just the first of many.
