Because I love people, whenever I get the chance, I often start up a conversation with complete strangers. Friends have often said that I would 'talk to a crash-test-dummy', and I'm sure if I ever do, I will tell them: "Don't forget to buckle up!'
Yes -- I speak to complete strangers because I am interested to know more about them. By the time we get into a conversation, we both realize we're not strangers anymore!
Often we can learn the most interesting things from people we happen to run across in our everyday lives:
Like the old guy at the gym that never stops talking, who is actually just very concerned about his wife's health issues,
Like the cranky underpaid waitress, who is working two jobs just to get by,
Or the cleaning lady -- a single mom struggling to support three young children.
These connections are often opportunities for us to share with them some words of encouragement or affirmation. Everyone needs that! Making a connection with them is usually a win/win for me! As I try to encourage them, I see their faces light up and recognize, perhaps I made a little difference.
THE KEY IS TO TRULY LOVE PEOPLE!
When you talk to people, don't talk at them. They don't need a deep dive into your successes. Remember how others have encouraged you during your struggles.
Impress upon them the importance of patience. Remind them not to give up at the first sign of defeat. Remember, everything is in God's timing!
Take a genuine interest in them. Remember that time you needed a bit of inspiration.
Better yet, get their address so that you can follow up by sending them something encouraging. As many of you know, I like to send out books to inspire or comfort others in what ever they might be going through. And I aways sign the book with a short encouraging message, a quote or a Bible verse, and include my contact information.
Always leave them with HOPE.
If there’s hope in the future, there is power in the present.
