Harris is amazing. His words are articulate, inquisitive, and respectful. His approach combines the brashness of an American with the formal approach of a true British gentleman. Every conversation is special and he naturally makes you feel and believe that you are that way to him. He will take the time to remember and ask about the good things we have done together in the past (only one thing really). He openly accepts me just as I am. He also just enjoys life, unburdened by the hassles of responsibility and fear. You can just imagine that Harris will always have his door open, someday. Harris is, today, just four years old.
I wonder what things would be like if I approached others the way Harris approaches me. It is easy to rationalize that this approach is na?ve and full of danger. I really do not think so! You can be streetwise and still bring a Harris approach to the conversation. The key requirement seems to be confidence in the future one faces, a genuine interest in the life of another, and the willingness to give of your self and time to another in dialogue. Things could be fundamentally different with this approach!
I realize that following the Harris model would require a few things from me. I would have to put by prejudice aside. My sense of needing to rush towards a singular goal of the day would take second place to the opportunity to share a few steps with others. My crisp and quick judgment exchanged for an open sense of wonder and awe about life around me. Frequently my mind would need to engage before words began to tumble out. Things would be very different.
Paul suggests that we “help needy Christians, be inventive in hospitality.” (Romans 12.13) I know that you opened your doors; who else would have put up with a person camping out with them for almost a month? Creativity and inventiveness was automatic!
Imagine what things could be like if you and I did that with everyone we knew.
