Are You in Play?

When was the last time you had an unexpected but meaningful conversation with a stranger?

Our Experience

This prompt was Libby’s idea. Not sure why I felt the need to tell you that, except if it does not prompt anything, don’t blame me.

You see, I was trying to begin a good conversation with her about this Good Conversation post and she had just returned from the person who does her hair. This person has a day-job in health care, but she likes doing hair after hours for special clients. Since Libby has been going to her for over twenty years, she qualifies.

Libby asked her if she were her last client for the night.

“No, the nicest kid is coming in. He is a high school baseball player, and he really likes the way I cut his hair.”

The teen’s mother brought him, and Libby found herself sitting near her in the waiting area. (Libby was waiting on whatever needed to happen to her hair, which will always be a mystery to me.)

Libby could not resist.

“Excuse me,” Libby started.

“I have to tell you that Brenda told me that the nicest kid was coming in after me.”

The woman beamed as any proud mother would.

What followed was a lengthy conversation in which the woman unburdened herself about challenges in her life.

Two human beings met at the salon and an unexpected, meaningful conversation occurred.

If you know Libby you are not surprised and it may seem like an extravert being an extravert.

But, anyone can be in play when they encounter other humans.

It does not require a lot to be in play.

It does require being interested in people. Interested enough to pay attention to those around you.

Sure, most people take themselves out of play, head down looking at their phone.

Loneliness has been identified as a health crisis in our country.

Personally, I believe that one of the worst things a person can do is to be glued to their phone when they are in public. Perhaps a text may need to be quickly read and responded to.

But what can happen when we aspire to really see those around us?

What could random conversations with strangers have to do with your marriage?

For starters, people who find other people interesting will become interesting themselves. Anything we can do to expand our hearts in love will have a huge impact at home.

Challenge: Open your eyes to see those around you and watch what may happen.