What would you do after spending 20 years dedicated to danger and excitement? Would you possibly find your favorite hobby, stick with it for a couple of years, just to become a professor? I met an 80 year old man today who’s story lines up like this. Growing up in a Northern state, he started in the Military during his Junior year of high school. I was amazed at all the things this man could tell me he had done in his short 30 minute story. Our conversation started when he saw my Bible, he said to me, “ahh you’ve got your Bible, good girl!” In turn I replied thank you, it keeps me motivated.

This guy has seen and done some amazing things in his life time. Anything from parachute jumping over 200 times, to diving, to hiking, to traveling, and so much more. I asked him what he was doing with his life now, and he said, “ohh, I am a professor.” He then went on to tell me he wished he would have stayed in the Military longer because, being a professor is fun, but it’s lacking something; excitement. I’m so glad our paths crossed today. This mans enthusiasm was contagious. He was such a kind-hearted man, when he spoke you wanted to listen to him.

I got encouraged by him today. He told me his highlights quickly, while also making time for some pretty dangerous low lights. His story was captivating because he was authentic. We try so hard sometimes to impress people or to impress ourselves, that we forget that being real about situations is an amazing way to connect with people. This 80 year old man didn’t speak to me as if I was part of a problem generation (in a generational gap way), he spoke to me with guidance and understanding. His kindness was addicting.

I say all of this to ask you a simple question. When you are faced with an opportunity to have a conversation with a stranger, how do they feel when they have left you?

As this man was walking away, he turned to me and said, “tell your husband you impressed me, and tell him, his patience impresses me more.” He encouraged me so much in that little statement. He may never know the impact he made on my life, and that’s okay. Because while he was encouraging me, I was encouraging him. See he was on his way to meet up with a life long friend in a nursing home, and it was bothering him, because his friend was not doing well and will soon no longer be with us. Listening and being an ear is what he needed in that moment. His nerves settled, and he was able to do what he planned to do, tell his friend goodbye.

You never know how you can impact someone, and you never know how much you can get impacted by someone. The only way to find out, is to try. It’s usually the ice breaker that’s the hardest, eventually you both find common ground and it comes natural.

PRAYER: 

When we come in contact with someone, we want them to have met a small amount of the love you offer us. If we show them a small amount of love, that feeling becomes something people will want to search for, the same way this man’s kindness was addicting. Teach us how to show just an ounce of your love so that you can magnify that. In Jesus name. -Amen