The other day I wrote about the people we’ve gathered around our table over the years. I wrote about how we all have fascinating stories that are part of God’s larger story and part of life is getting to know each other’s stories.
“Well,” you might have said to yourself, “Stories shmories. All fine and dandy for you, but holiday parties are about as fun to me as being chosen as a tribute in the Hunger Games.”
Ok, this post is going to change all that. It will be a Christmas miracle and you’ll want to send me all your Christmas cookies as a thank you.
This morning there was a guy and a girl, maybe in their late 20’s sitting near me at Starbucks. I’m thinking morning coffee date. Match.com.
I really wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but it’s possible my natural spy skills automatically kicked in when I heard certain words like “single” and “Christian” crop up.
Here’s the thing. The girl talked about herself nonstop! I kept wanting to stuff a Cranberry Bliss bar in her mouth and say “STOOOOOOP TALKKKKKING! Give the poor guy a chance!”
Yep, most people love to talk about themselves. Who could possibly be more interesting than…you?
But also in the same coffee shop is Tom, who comes in every morning and no matter how friendly I am he seems to have a hard time conversing with me. He just always seems uncomfortable and lonely and I want to give him a big hug and say “It’s gonna be ok.”
All of this has gotten me to thinking about the ways that we connect, especially at holiday parties. Here are a few ideas: Continue reading
